Canada Day

Canada Day is the national holiday of Canada and takes place every year on 1 July. The feast day was originally called Dominion Day but obtained its current name in 1982.

During Canada Day are regularly held parades and other festivities are organized. There is often also a fireworks show in the evening instead. ==History of Canada Day[ Edit] == On 21 June 1868 there was a communication signed by Governor General, Lord Monck, stating that her Majesty called for everyone in Canada to celebrate the Confederation of Canada on 1 July 1868. The rest day on July 1, was established in 1879 under the English name Dominion Day.

At the 50th anniversary in 1917 the new Centre Block of the Parliament buildings, which was still under construction, dedicated as a memorial to the Fathers of Confederation and for the exploits of Canadians who fought in the first world war. During the Diamond Jubilee was the cornerstone of the Confederation building on Wellington Street laid by the Governor General and the Carillon in the Peace Tower was consecrated.

In 1958 the Government decided that there had to be a party held every year on Canada's national day. On this day, in the afternoon a Trooping the Coloursceremony held as well as a ceremony during sunset, followed by a concert with many bands and at the end a grand fireworks.

During the 100 year anniversary of Canada Queen Elizabeth II visited the festivities. This was a reason for a large-scale ceremony.

The idea of the ceremonies changed in 1968 with the addition of multicultural and professional concerts held on Parliament Hill. These were including a national television show. To 1975 were the festivities under the name Canada Festival held in the National Capital Region during the month of July and contained several cultural, artistic and sports events.

Starting from 1985, in every province and district of Canada set up a Committee to plan, organize and coordinate local Canada Day ceremonies. Money for this is provided by the Government for such committees.