Canada Day: History, Significance, Facts

People celebrate Canada Day every year on the 1st of July. Natives celebrate the day in their hometown to commemorate the anniversary of the Consitution Act. It consolidates three territories into the single nation of Canada in 1867. In 1867, Britain granted Canada its independence. It would be Canada’s 156 Birthday on 1st July 2023. In 1967, on the 100th anniversary of this Day, there was an increase in the interest of people to celebrate the day with utmost enthusiasm and patriotism. As per federal law, 1 July is a statutory holiday as it marks the “anniversary of Confederation” and later it was renamed ‘Dominion Day.’

Know More About its History

Canadian celebrated the day as Dominion Day till 1982. Later it was renamed. Unlike the independence history of many countries, there were no tons of bloodshed or wars in Canada. During the time of the mid-1800s, there were discussions about the possible unification between the British and North American colonies. On 1 July 1867, the British parliament brought into effect the British North America Act. This led to the creation of an independent Canada. The territories within the Dominion were Nova Scotia, Upper and Lower Canada and New Brunswick. As per the act, Canada was divided into Quebec and Ontario. Later the neighbouring provinces joined as well. This led to the formation of present-day Canada. 

Also Read: Universities in Quebec for International Students

Significance of This Day

Let us take a look at the points explaining the significance of this day:

• The formation of this significant day resonates with America’s Independence Day. However, many natives get the additional gift of personal freedom because many leases in La Belle province expire on 1 July. 
• It marks the beginning of celebration and revelry to go for a cold one. British Columbia alone consumes 1.2 million litres of beer to enthusiastically mark the weekend of this event. And yes, these are purchases from official government-licensed liquor stores and shops
• Since 2013, the day marks the beginning of Canada History Week. This encourages the natives to visit museums, monuments memorials to learn more about the history of Canada. 
• Presently, Canada has become one of the most influential education countries in the world. It welcomes many international students every year to pursue their education in the country.

Also Read: Study in Canada

How is Canada Day Celebrated?

There are many ways in which one can celebrate the occasion. Given below are some of the popular ways to celebrate the day:

• To show true patriotism, people bring out their Canadian flag. These are used as drapes for windows, as decoration for walls or as paintings on the face.
• Every celebration is incomplete without some delicacies. Similarly, to celebrate the day, Canadians prepare some delicious dishes including Baklava, Poutine, or beaver tails. (deep-fried bread dough with cinnamon and chilli) 
• Since it is a day to celebrate the formation of Canada, many people hold parades along with some celebratory fireworks, savour street food, and watch marching bands. People come together along with their friends, family and neighbours to celebrate the event.

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Traditions

It is a tradition to celebrate a patriotic day with grand parades. Many parades whether big or small are held in villages and cities across the country. People participate in parades, wearing the national flag colours. They also organise outdoor picnics, events, festivals and fireworks.

Amazing Facts About Canada

Check out these interesting facts about Canada:

• Canada did not have a national flag until 15 February 196, almost 100 years after becoming a country. 
• Canada is the second largest country in the world. The country also has more surface area covered with lakes than any other country in the world combined.
• The country has the longest coastline as well. 
• It follows 6 time zones namely Pacific, Central, Mountain, Eastern and Atlantic and Newfoundland
• The oldest rocks in the world can be found in the Canadian Shield 

FAQs

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