Today is Canada Day (Fete du Canada for you French-Canadians out in Quebec). Frequently referred to as "Canada's birthday", particularly in the popular press, the occasion marks the joining of the British North American colonies of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Province of Canada into a federation of four provinces (the Province of Canada being divided, in the process, into Ontario and Quebec) on July 1, 1867.
Canadians throughout the country will participate in organized celebrations in honor of Canada Day. Much like Americans during the Fourth of July, Canadians will attend public events such as parades, carnivals, festivals, barbecues, air and maritime shows, fireworks, and free musical concerts. The celebrations also include citizenship ceremonies for newly minted citizens.
Canadian expatriates will organize Canada Day activities in their local area on or near the date of the holiday. For instance, since 2006, annual Canada Day celebrations have been held at Trafalgar Square — the location of Canada House — in London, England; organized by the Canadian community in the United Kingdom and the Canadian High Commission, the event features Canadian performers and a demonstration of street hockey, amongst other activities.
In Afghanistan, where members of the Canadian Forces fight alongside other coalition troops, Canadian soldiers will mark the holiday at their base. Even Mexico gets into the Canada Day celebrations. Celebrations in Mexico will take place at the American Legion in Chapala and the Canadian Club in Ajijic.
Beginning in the 1950’s Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario, have celebrated both Canada Day and the Fourth of July with the International Freedom Festival. A massive fireworks display over the Detroit River, the strait separating the two cities, is held annually with hundreds of thousands of spectators attending. A similar event, celebrating our two holidays, occurs at the Friendship Festival, a joint celebration between Fort Erie, Ontario, and neighboring Buffalo, New York.
Our brothers and sisters to the North have much to celebrate this year. A hugely successful Winter Olympics and a national economy that continues to surge ahead in spite of a worldwide recession are only two of the most recent feathers in Canada’s cap. So whether you are a Canuck living in London, Ontario or a Canada-fan living in sunny Southern California, join in and celebrate, you have earned it!
In honor of Canada Day, I will raise a frosty glass of Molson Canadian and dive into plate of hot poutine.
And for one very special Canuck, here is a rock rendition of Oh Canada. Enjoy your day sweet Moose.
HAPPY CANADA DAY 2010 – ROCK STYLE
1 comment:
That must be some lucky Canuck!
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