Unlike any other day, Canada Day is a day that is characterized by merriment and unification of identity. It is a day set aside to commemorate the official birth of Canada. The French call it Fêtu Canada. It is considered the official day of Canada therefore, is a public holiday. Generally, it is celebrated on the 1st of July, every year.
In remembrance of the July 1, 1867 unification of the former three North American colonies of Britain, which were Nova Scotia, province of Canada and New Brunswick, into a sovereign federation called Canada, this day came to being. These three colonies were united under the British North America Act, 1867 but has now changed to Constitution Act, 1867. It was this Act that gave birth to the modern day ‘Canada Day’. This day was previously called Dominion Day by the English speaking part of Canada while the French speaking part of Canada call it Le jour de la Confédération.
Canadians worldwide are united in the celebration of this ‘birth day’. Officially, July 1 is the legally recognized day for Canada Day but whenever it falls on Sunday, statutorily, July 2 becomes the holiday. Nevertheless, many people still hold the celebration on Sunday but Monday is the officially recognized day for the celebration. Also, if the holiday falls on Saturday, quite a number of business outfits close for work but the holiday itself is shifted to Mondays as well.
Oftentimes, it is celebrated internationally in a number of ways. Within Canada, lavish outdoor activities are often organized. Activities like fireworks, parades, festivals, military shows (maritime and air), musical concerts, organized eating of barbecue, and the list continues like that. The center stage of the celebration is in Ottawa, which is the capital. Large public concerts often adorn the big city while cultural displays are well orchestrated. These large events are generally held in Parliament Hill where top government functionaries register their presence. In other parts of Canada, similar though smaller events also take place thus making it a true national holiday.
Outside Canada, various events are also held to commemorate this day. The day is so popular that it is even well celebrated than Christmas and New Years celebrations. Other nationals who are not Canadian have often been sighted celebrating this day with the Canadians. In London, hockey is often played on the street while in Canadian High Commissions spread out across the globe, well wishers often frolic these commissions to wine and dine with Canadians. Truly, it is a ‘birth day’ well celebrated.