National Day (Canada)

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Children with Canadian flag on Canada Day in Montreal

The July 1 , the Canadian National ( English Canada Day , French Fête du Canada ) and recalls the formation of Canada (as the state of the British Commonwealth ) by the British North America Act on July 1, 1867th

history

In the capital, Ottawa , hundreds of thousands gather on Parliament Hill every year

The British North America Act established the so-called Dominion of Canada in 1867 , to which the provinces of Ontario , Québec , Nova Scotia and New Brunswick belonged.

In 1879 July 1st was officially declared a public holiday and called Dominion Day . The term of Canadian origin described the newly achieved political unity at a time when the fathers of the Confederation were still reluctant to use a name with the character of an aspiration for independence. The name of the holiday was changed to Canada Day on October 27, 1982 , mainly with reference to the recently adopted Canada Act of that year.

On Dominion Day 1923, the Chinese Immigration Act came into effect that same year. Has been suspended until the law in 1947, the Chinese designated July 1 as Humiliation Day ( German  day of humiliation ) and refused to celebrate the national holiday.

Canada Day is celebrated today by all provinces and supported as a day off by almost all employers. In Québec , July 1st is also considered "Moving Day" as most leases expire on July 1st and many people are moving.

In Newfoundland and Labrador July 1st is also a memorial in memory of the great losses of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment during the Battle of the Somme in World War I committed.

Festivities and activities

The Snowbirds aerobatic team on Canada Day in Ottawa
On July 1st, the Toronto Blue Jays play with special hats (here in away colors)

Many cities and towns across the country organize and host Canada Day celebrations. These festivities take place outdoors and include parades, carnivals, festivals, air and marine shows, fireworks, free music concerts, and ceremonies for newly naturalized Canadian citizens. There are no general guidelines for the event.

However, the biggest celebration is centered on Parliament Hill in Ottawa , the state capital of Canada. The Prime Minister of Canada and the Governor General of Canada , as well as other politicians and famous people , also take part in this celebration . There are also other smaller events in the Ottawa area, such as B. in Gatineau instead.

See also

Web links

Commons : National Day (Canada)  - Collection of pictures, videos, and audio files