by Susan Keeping

Created on: June 18, 2008   Last Updated: June 27, 2011

Canada Day is a day when Canadians, who are normally more reserved in their patriotism than their American neighbours, proudly celebrate their flag and their country. Flags start popping up everywhere; on lapels, on front porches, on apartment balconies, and on public vehicles. Many people dress in red and white or wear t-shirts with a maple leaf on them.

To start off, everyone has the day off; or, if Canada Day falls on a weekend, they have Monday off. For many, that is cause enough to celebrate. It is a day to spend with family and friends, or a day to catch up on your sleep. Most people do try to do something to celebrate Canada Day though.

The celebrations of Canada Day usually start off with a parade in your town or city. Hundreds get there early to secure a good viewing spot on the parade route; they watch floats, marching bands from schools and organizations from across the country, clowns, and various service organizations wind their way through the streets.

Most communities will have official celebrations such as the swearing in of new Canadians, concerts and birthday cake. These usually take place in and around government buildings.

Some neighbourhoods will throw block parties for the entire street. They will close off the street to traffic and set up picnic table in the middle of the street. Each neighbour will bring an item to eat to share with everyone. They might even rent play equipment to keep the children amused. There will be lots of good food, drinks and conversation; people who have never met their neighbour may find a new friendship blooming. When it gets dark they may have their own neighbourhood fireworks display.

Some communities have large picnics in local parks where hot dogs, hamburgers and ice cream are enjoyed by hundreds of people. In Toronto you can buy five cent hot dogs and have free cake at Queen's Park.

Once it gets dark there are hundreds of fireworks demonstrations throughout the country, some official, some not. Thousands flock to the official fireworks demonstrations to see amazing displays of pyrotechnic excellence. They will ooh and aah over the spectacular images that are appearing over their head.

The biggest fireworks display in the country is the one held near the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa. Ottawa is also where a nationally televised concert takes place featuring well-known Canadian entertainers and celebrities.

Canada Day seems to become a bigger holiday every year with more and more activities appearing every year. It has become a fitting annual celebration of our country.

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