July 1 - Canada Day

Happy Canada Day! All of those who celebrate Canada as their home and native land celebrate Canada Day on July 1. 

Today commemorates the anniversary of the Constitution Act, which consolidated three territories into the single nation of Canada back in 1867. That’s right — Canada celebrated its 150th birthday in 2017! 
 
A federal statutory holiday, Canada Day celebrates the anniversary of July 1, 1867, the effective date of the Constitution Act, 1867 (then called the British North America Act, 1867). 

This act united the three separate colonies of the Province of Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick into a single Dominion within the British Empire called Canada. 

Originally called Dominion Day for Le Jour de la Confédération in French), the holiday was renamed in 1982, the year that the Canada Act was passed.  
 
Canada Day celebrations take place throughout the country, as well as in various locations around the world attended by Canadians living abroad. 
 
HOW TO OBSERVE 
 
Bust out the Canadian flag! No Canada Day celebration is complete without the Canadian flag, be it hung from a window, draped from the shoulders, or painted on the face! 
 
Canadians love to celebrate this day with traditional Canadian foods, whether it be poutine, baklava, or beaver tails (deep fried bread dough with cinnamon and chili). 
 
Many Canadian cities will hold Canada Day parades, complete with fireworks, street food, and full marching bands. There's nothing more Canadian than getting out and celebrating with your neighbors. 
 
This day also coincides with personal freedom. 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. 
 
Today is also the perfect excuse for a cold one. British Columbia alone guzzles 1.2 million—yes, million—liters of beer over Canada Day weekend (all purchased from official government-run liquor stores, of course)! 
 
From 2013 onwards, Canada Day has marked the beginning of Canada History Week—which encourages citizens to learn more about their nation by visiting museums, monuments, and memorials. 

HISTORY 
 
Research was unable to find the creator of National Canada Day.

Here's to our Canadian filmmakers, eh?  
 
#NationalCanadaDay 
@Canada 
@TIFF
@nichecinem