Canada Day is the national day of Canada, a federal statutory holiday celebrating the anniversary of the July 1, 1867, enactment of the British North America Act, 1867 (today called the Constitution Act, 1867, in Canada), which united three colonies into a single country called Canada within the British Empire.
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. Canada became a kingdom in its own right on that date, but the British Parliament kept limited rights of political control over the new country that were shed by stages over the years until the last vestiges were surrendered in 1982 when the Constitution Act patriated the Canadian constitution.
Most communities across the country will host organized celebrations for Canada Day, usually outdoor public events, such as parades, carnivals, festivals, barbecues, air and maritime shows, fireworks, and free musical concerts, as well as citizenship ceremonies for new citizens.
Via – Wikipedia
And, Canadian Heritage has a list of activities across the country:
We are proud of the nation we have built together over the last 145 years. Since the earliest days of our history, Canada has been a land of promise. We have built a society that celebrates achievement and excellence, while at the same time maintaining a strong respect for human rights. Our participation in Celebrate Canada activities brings us together, strengthens our communities, and helps us understand the significance of the citizenship we all share.
Parliament Hill in Ottawa
We celebrate Canada Day in grand style in the nation’s capital. Every year, tens of thousands of people flock to Parliament Hill to take part in the Canada Day Noon Show with the Governor General, the Prime Minister, and the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.
This year, the theme for the Noon Show is “Celebrating the heritage of 1812.” As we celebrate Canada’s 145th birthday, we celebrate our legacy, our pride and our possibilities!
The 2012 show will include a protocol ceremony and a spectacular flyby of CF 18s and Snowbirds. The following great Canadian talents will offer an unforgettable show:
- Jully Black (Ontario)
- The Drums, Crown Forces 1812 (Ontario)
- Michael Beauclerc (Ontario)
- Feist (Alberta)
- Neverest (Ontario)
- Donny Parenteau (Saskatchewan)
- Roch Voisine (New Brunswick)
- Simple Plan (Quebec)
More activities – Canadian Heritage
