Canada Day is approaching, and the joy of celebrating this special day comes in all forms. The way people celebrate this holiday is usually through fireworks, but also other ways, like boat racing. Luckily, Canada Day takes place in the summer, which allows for proper outdoor activities to celebrate with, as opposed to the usual cold seasons associated with the country. And with over 41 million people in the nation, there are bound to be different methods in which Canadians indulge in festivities, including cultural ties. In this article, we will go over the different types of celebrations for Canada Day.
As mentioned before, certain Canadians celebrate the holiday based on their ethnic background, coming from the country of origin or religion. The Scottish Fest, celebrated in Orillia, takes place during Canada Day and reflects on the European settlers of Scottish descent. There is a festival that revolves around socializing and eating food. It is important to remember that throughout Canada’s history, people of Scottish and other European background settled in Canada, leading to the creation of its provinces. In fact, before we celebrate Canada Day, the holiday of Victoria Day is celebrated in May to commemorate Queen Victoria, the British ruler who is known as the founder of the Confederation of Canada. It makes sense, though, considering she was involved in the British North American Act of 1867, the reason we celebrate Canada Day.
Victoria Day is celebrated with fireworks and small celebrations, as Queen Victoria’s rule throughout the 19th century is still prevalent today. The reminiscence of this British queen is prevalent in the modern constitution of the country, supporting the past history of Canada with Britain. In fact, we are copying a traditional British celebration (King George Day), albeit a different ruler but a British one nonetheless, and in relation to our country’s founding. Not just European holidays however, there are also celebrations that tie in with the first people to exist in Canada.
The holiday, National Indigenous People Day, is celebrated on the 21st of June, to commemorate the first people of Canada. Canadians everywhere acknowledge the land first belonged to the First Nations, Inuit, and Metis of North America. That is why it is important for everyone to acknowledge and respect these people. Their culture is impressive and friendly, and we should always remember their ties to Canada are greater than ours. Wearing an orange or red shirt is another form of celebration for Indigenous People Day, so make sure you add that to your wardrobe!
As a large nation, it is logical for Canada to have different types of celebrations, but what ties them all together is history. The history of our country is important in our celebrations, as it is the nation we share with our friends and colleagues, a reason to say, ‘we like each other’ and to socialize together. And thankfully, these mentioned days take place in the warm Canadian summer season, so better enjoy them a lot!
Babak Eslami | Staff Writer
