Canada Day or moving day: whatever July 1st means to you, the sun should be out to accompany the celebrations that will be held across the country, and even in Quebec, despite the cancellation of the parade in Montreal.
This year will mark the country’s 157th anniversary, which will be celebrated in the province of Quebec, both in the greater metropolis of Montreal and in the National Capital, with the distribution of cakes, ceremonies, shows and fireworks.
Here is a brief historical look back at Canada Day, a controversial day in Quebec, as well as the program for those who would like to celebrate it with their family.
• Read also: Open or closed for Canada Day?
Why July 1st?
July 1 was designated as Canada Day because this date corresponds to the coming into force of the British North America Act (BNA Act), better known today as the Constitution Act, 1867, which gave birth to Canada as we know it today.
It was this act that established the Constitution of Canada, describing its new governmental structure and the way in which powers would henceforth be distributed between the federal Parliament and the provinces, according to the Canadian Encyclopedia.
Origin of this celebration
Canadians at the time were not idle: the following year, festivities were already being organized to celebrate the first anniversary of the AANB.
These celebrations, which were officially called “Confederation Day” in 1879, were later renamed “Dominion Day”, before obtaining the official title “Canada Day” in 1982.
It was between 1958 and 1968 that the afternoon flag salute appeared on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, as well as the music concert – at the time, military – and the fireworks display which still take part in the celebrations today in 15 major Canadian cities.
Programming: activities in Montreal and Quebec
Montréal
Early in the afternoon, celebrations will be launched in Montreal with the firing of 21 cannon shots for the salute of honour at 1:30 p.m., on the Clock Tower Quay in the Old Port, followed by a swearing-in ceremony for the new Canadians.
Then, a multitude of activities for the whole family will be held with entertainment, inflatable games and a distribution of cupcakes during the afternoon, before a musical performance at 8 p.m., and the famous fireworks. from 10 p.m. Here’s where to find the full lineup.
Unfortunately this year, there will be no parade in the big city for Canada Day, as the organizing committee deplored a lack of support from local government leaders.
The parade had been part of the celebrations since 1977, although it had to be canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Québec
In Quebec, the flag-raising ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. on the Terrasse Dufferin, before being followed by the tasting of the “Happy Birthday Canada!” cake. ” at noon.
Throughout the afternoon, the party will be in full swing on the Plains of Abraham with entertainment, fairground games, face painting and shows. The evening will conclude with a brand new immersive laser show at 9:30 p.m.
Ottawa
For those who would prefer to attend the festivities in the capital in person or even from their living room, a free two-hour show bringing together artists from across the country will begin at 8 p.m. at Parc des Plaines-LeBreton, followed by a bonfire. artifice.
It will notably be broadcast live on ICI Télé, Radio-Canada, ICI TOU.TV and CBC Television.
Other regions
Other cities, such as Longueuil, Laval, Tremblant and Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, will also come alive to celebrate Canada. To find out more about what will be on the schedule, go to your city’s website.
