Happy Canada Day!

Canada day is the national day of Canada, celebrating the anniversary of the July 1, 1867 BNA Act or Constitution Act which united three colonies into a single country called Canada.

 

In many towns and cities, municipal governments organize a range of events, often outdoors. These include pancake breakfasts, parades, concerts, carnivals, festivals, firework displays and citizenship ceremonies for new Canadian citizens. The celebrations often have a patriotic mood. Canada's national flag is widely displayed and a lot of people paint their faces red and white, which are Canada's national colors. The celebrations in Ottawa, which is Canada’s capital city, are particularly exuberant.

In the province of Quebec, many home leases start on July 1 and last for exactly one year. Hence, many people in Quebec spend Canada Day moving their possessions from one house to another. In this province, Canada Day is also known as Moving Day.

In the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, July 1 is also Memorial Day. This commemorates the heavy loss of life in the Newfoundland Regiment on the first day of the Battle of the Somme during World War I. In Newfoundland and Labrador, the morning of July 1 is usually somber. Flags are flown at half-mast and memorial services are held at cenotaphs (war memorials). In the afternoon, Canada Day celebrations in the province are similar to those in the rest of the country. Each province, city and individual will celebrate, each in their own way, but there will be lots of entertainment, backyard barbeques and fireworks. (And yes - I'm  a proud Canadian) 
It's also the 50th anniversary of our Maple Leaf flag.        
 

                                         

                                         Happy Birthday Canada!