Canada's national holiday is celebrated on July 1. Canadians across the country and around the world show their pride in their history, culture and achievements. It's been a day of celebration since 1868, where many festivities are held across the nation. June 20, 1868: Governor General Lord Monck On July 1, 1867, Canada became a self-governing dominion of Great Britain and a federation of four provinces: Nova Scotia; New Brunswick; Ontario; and Quebec. The anniversary of this date was called Dominion Day until 1982. Since 1983, July 1 has been officially known as Canada Day. Canada Day is a celebration of Canadian nationalism, heritage, and pride. The country became self-governing on July 1st, 1867, with the passage of the British North America Act (BNA Act) in the British Parliament. Fireworks, flags and fighter jets are all part of the Canada Day experience. But how did this annual July 1 holiday come about? Two top historians weigh in. Canada Day is exactly what it sounds like: a federal holiday to celebrate the country and show off national pride. When is it? July 1 is Canada Day. How did it start? July 1 commemorates the The next Canada Day is on Tuesday July 1, 2025. What Is Canada Day? Canada Day is observed on July 1 each year in Canada, celebrating the “birthday” of Canada—the July 1, 1867 enactment of the Constitution Act which united three British colonies into a new country called Canada. Canada Day is celebrated in conjunction with the United States’ Fourth of July Independence Day during the International Freedom Festival. Fireworks are shot off over the Detroit River, and residents of Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario come together in joint-celebration. It’s time to celebrate Canada Day, observed on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Do you know why Canada Day is celebrated? Is it similar to Independence Day (U.S.)? Learn all about the national day of Canada, its history, and what foods are eaten on Canada Day. What Is Canada Day? Is this Canada’s independence day? Sort of. July 1 marks the anniversary of Confederation, the day the British North America (BNA) Act came into effect in 1867 and the Dominion of Canada was Fireworks, flags and fighter jets are all part of the Canada Day experience. But how did this annual July 1 holiday come about? Two top historians weigh in. Canada Day Take part in the nation’s biggest birthday party on July 1. Witness the ceremonies, shows and fireworks and take in the musical talent at several locations in the nation’s capital and across the country. Canada Day is the national holiday of Canada. It is celebrated on July 1 with parades, displays of the flag, the singing of the national anthem, “O Canada,” and fireworks. When July 1 falls on a Sunday, the holiday is observed on the following day. Explained Canada Day 2025, celebrated on July 1, marks 158 years since Confederation. Once called Dominion Day, it honours the formation of Canada and its journey to independence. A federal statutory holiday, it celebrates the anniversary of Canadian Confederation which occurred on July 1, 1867, when the three separate colonies of the United Canadas (Ontario and Quebec), Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick were united into a single dominion within the British Empire called Canada. [1][2] July 1st is celebrated across Canada as Canada Day! It commemorates the day when three British colonies – Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and the Province of Canada – were united into one country, known as Canada. July 1, 1867: The British North America Act (today known as the Constitution Act, 1867) creates Canada. June 20, 1868: Governor General Lord Monck signs a proclamation that requests all Her Majesty's subjects across Canada to celebrate July 1. On Canada Day, Canadians from coast to coast to coast will celebrate the best country in the world. Today, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, unveiled the official program for Canada Day 2025. The July 1 Canada Day roughly correlates to America's Independence Day — but many Canadians get the additional gift of personal freedom, as most leases in La Belle province expire on July 1st. On July 1, 1867, with passage of the British North America Act, the Dominion of Canada was officially established as a self-governing entity within the British Empire. On July 1, get caught up in the excitement and energy of the Canada Day celebrations in Canada’s Capital Region! Whether with family or friends, take part in this free event that showcases our country’s diversity, music and culture.
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