Before the US will celebrate its Independence Day next week, another North American country will be busy marking its own national day, with Canada’s federal statutory holiday Canada Day being just around the corner.
This year will mark the 151st anniversary of Canada Day, with the first celebration taking place in July 1867.
Here is all you need to know about Canada Day 2018 including when and what it is and how Canadians celebrate it.
This year’s Canada Day celebrations will mark the 151st anniversary of the national holiday
What is Canada Day?
Canada Day marks the enactment of the British North America Act—later called the Constitution Act 1867—which saw the unification of the three Canadian colonies: Canada, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick into what was called the Dominion of Canada and part of the British Empire.
The Union took place on July 1, 1867. However, Canada Day is not the same as the day of Canadian independence.
Although Canada as we know it first began to form through the 1867 act, it was still part of the British Empire, slowly splitting off throughout the early 20th century; joining the League of Nations as an independent country in 1920.
Total sovereignty was only achieved in 1982, when the UK Parliament moved the power to change Canada’s constitution to the Canadian government via the Canada Act.
When is Canada Day?
Canada Day marks the enactment of the Constitution Act, which was on July 1, 1867 and is thus held on that day every year.
However, if July 1 falls on the Sunday, then Canada Day will instead be celebrated on July 2. That is why Canada Day 2018 will be observed on Monday, July 2.
How does Canada celebrate Canada Day?
According to Canada’s government site, Canada Day is an ‘opportunity to gather in our communities, from coast to coast, and to proudly celebrate all we have in common.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will tour across three regions and cities as part of Canada Day 2018 celebrations
‘It is an opportunity to celebrate our achievements, which were born in the audacious vision and shared values of our ancestors, and which are voiced in nearly all of the languages of the world through the contribution of New Canadians.’
In Toronto, Canada will be celebrated with a 33 firework display across the Greater Toronto Area on July 1. They can be caught everywhere from Amesbury Park to Downsview Park.
Films by Canadian directors such as Blade Runner 2049’s Denis Villeneuve will be screened for free at TIFF.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will be skipping the traditional Canadian Day festivities on Parliament Hill in Ottawa in order to celebrate the holiday in three cities in three different regions.
He is expected to visit Leamington Ontario, and then Regina and Dawson City in Yukon—all on July 1. He will also appear on Parliament Hill via video from Leamington.
Canada Day celebrations are not limited to just people, with brands also getting in on the act.
Skittles is partnering with the David Suzuki Foundation, a Canadian environmental group, to increase awareness about the country’s animal welfare.
As part of the Canada Day celebrations the candy brand will be hosting live webcam stream of a man dressed in a beaver costume building a dam.
It will give $10,000 to the foundation. The feed will start at 1.51pm EST, a nod to the 151st anniversary of the celebrations.
In Ottawa, many musicians will be taking to the stage to entertain crowds on Parliament Hill and in Major’s Hill Park.
Other fun events such as a live painting tournament, a miniature train ride and pop up shops will be happening around the Canadian capital.