In Canada, holidays are an occasion to switch from everyday worries to relaxing holidays and meeting friends. In this country, there are both national and internationally recognized holidays.
National holidays in Canada All holidays in Canada can be divided into the following categories:
- Celebrations with a specific date;
- Festive events that fall on a different day each year.
National holidays in Canadian lands are holidays specific to that country. They may be similar to the holidays of other countries, but they always have their own traditional features.
On July 1, Canada celebrates Canada Day. It was in July that Canada gained independence. On a festive day, carnivals, fireworks, dances and folk festivals are held on the streets of all cities and provinces. On this day, certificates of citizenship are solemnly handed over. And the most magnificent celebrations are held in the capital, which is decorated in all possible ways. Franco-Canadian Cultural Days are also considered national holidays. So from July 23 to July 24, Quebec celebrates the confluence of these two worlds, and celebrates the Day of John the Baptist.
The second Sunday in May is Mother’s Day, and June 19th is Dad’s Day. On the days of honoring parents, they are released from household duties and given touching gifts. Aboriginal Day is also a purely Canadian holiday. Its date is June 21st. Marketplaces are arranged on the squares of different cities, bonfires are lit, and transportable exhibitions operate. And on May 25 in Canada salute in honor of Victoria Day. A few days of rest are given to attend events. Concerts are held, speeches are made. Queen Victoria has made a great contribution to the development of Canada, so she is especially honored. Canada’s National Flag Day is celebrated on February 15th. In 1964, the maple leaf, framed in red and white, was recognized as the official symbol of this country. The white and red colors symbolize the state’s bilingualism, and are references to English and French. All of the above holidays are very popular only in Canada. Of course, in other countries you can find similar events, but they will still vary greatly.
Common Holidays in Canada Developing the holiday theme, it’s hard not to mention Christmas and New Year. For Canada, New Year’s Eve is not very popular. At this time, they do not arrange celebrations, sometimes they have dinner in the family circle. But Christmas, coming December 25, is a welcome holiday for Canadians. Long before Christmas, preparations for it begin. Christmas trees are set up in houses and shop windows, iridescent decorations are hung, and on the main night, gifts are placed under the Christmas tree, which, according to tradition, cannot be unwrapped until morning. In Canada, children believe that they are gifted by a cheerful Santa. The morning after the holiday, the kids are waiting for more than the celebration itself, since they receive the treasured gifts in the early morning. Valentine’s Day, which falls on February 14, is celebrated in Canada in the same way as around the world. People give each other funny and romantic valentines. Lovers try to spend this holiday alone. In addition to the standard attributes, the celebration has its own characteristics. On this day, Canadians can propose to any unmarried and unemployed man. And if he refuses, he will face a large fine. Here is such a bizarre law common in Canadian lands.
Easter in this country is celebrated by all Christian denominations. Therefore, the start date of the celebrations depends on the religion. For Canadian Catholics, not only Christ, but also the Easter Bunny is considered an obligatory character for Easter. And for Orthodox Christians, the main paraphernalia is associated with the Easter egg. Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving on October 9th. Together with the United States, they put into the holiday a special meaning of gratitude for all the good things that happened last year. The traditional dish on this day is roasted turkey. And the form of the celebration is a dinner with the family. Even on such a date, everyone who can do charity work, do good deeds and help others.
Halloween at the end of October is also familiar to the population of Canadian lands, such as Christmas or Groundhog Day. On a holiday, you can joke with your friends with impunity within reasonable limits, dress up in scary costumes, and create various compositions from pumpkins. By the way, Groundhog Day is celebrated not only in Canada, but also in the States. With the help of a wise marmot, they determine the weather, and then arrange mass festivals and carnivals.
April 1st is April Fool’s Day in Canada. Everyone is trying to make fun of at least someone. There is a belief that if at least one joke does not work out on this day, then the whole year will pass in sadness and sadness. So on April 1 in Canada, you can expect sugar in the salt shaker, glue in the shoe, and even peas under the mattress. Since Canadians are considered quite law-abiding, their fun is generally devoid of cruelty. And you cannot be afraid of serious problems after unsuccessful jokes. Everything happens calmly and peacefully.
St. Stephen’s Day is also known as Boxing Day. The date of the holiday falls on the second day after Christmas. And these days are considered non-working. December 24, along with many other countries, Canada celebrates Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve is associated with debriefing, church services, and charity fairs. Sometimes in churches they sell fish caught the day before, in order to then transfer money for the needs of the parish.