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Most important Canadian holidays to keep in mind

Most important Canadian holidays to keep in mind

What are the most important Canadian holidays you should remember and know about, so you celebrate them the way they deserve! Read here!

Important Canadian holidays to keep in mind

Canada is the land of hospitality, friendly people, beautiful natural scenery, and delectable food. People celebrate public holidays at the national level in all three territories and ten provinces.

Knowing the most important Canadian holidays is an excellent way to plan your vacations, get-togethers, and getaways with your loved ones. Although there are many public holidays in Canada, we will highlight the most important ones. Read on!

New Year’s Day

New Year’s Eve or Day is a public holiday celebrated across Canadian territories and provinces. When January 1st falls on Saturday or Sunday, the Canadian government moves the holiday to Monday.

So, you will find all organizations, businesses, post offices, and schools closed on the public holiday. However, the public transit runs, allowing people to move through their towns or cities.

Most Canadians, especially those living in large cities like Montreal and Toronto, make unique plans for the holiday. For example, the New Year’s Day brunch is an excellent way to spend quality time with friends or family. Main New Year’s Eve celebrations are happening in the early hours of January 1st.

In addition, people celebrate across Canadian’s bars, restaurants, residential and commercial properties. You will enjoy outdoor activities, including firework displays and live music concerts across Canada.

Canada Day

Canada Day is another important holiday to remember. As the name indicates, this holiday is all about the country. In simple words, it is the anniversary of Canada, and people celebrate it to relish their independence and freedom of living in a self-governing nation.

July 1st is the Canada Day holiday in the country, allowing people to start their summer season in the most mesmerizing manner. In addition, Canada Day weekend is enjoyable because families and friends go on trips and enjoy activities like camping or staying in cottages.

Similarly, most Canadians head to Ottawa, the nation’s capital and a fantastic place to celebrate the holiday. Once in Ottawa, you will see people wearing t-shirts, shirts, caps, and hats with printed Canadian flags.

Good Friday

Good Friday is another holiday celebrated two days before Easter Sunday. Keep in mind that this holiday is of great importance to people of the Christian Faith in Canada. Christians celebrate Good Friday to commemorate Jesus Christ’s crucifixion.

Therefore, most Canadians will attend special church services and spend quality time with their families. Non-Christians also leverage this public holiday, meaning they enjoy the three or four-day-long weekend.

If you are not a Christian and want to get the most out of this long holiday weekend, make sure you take a short trip with your family. For example, you can take a road trip, go camping, or stay in a mountain resort.

Victoria Day

Victoria Day is another public holiday in Canada. People celebrate Victoria Day to honor the Queen’s birthday. The Canadian government declared Victoria Day as a public holiday in 1845. In addition, Victoria Day, also known as May Long or May Long Weekend, is an excellent way to take a family trip.

It is also the beginning of the cottaging, gardening, and camping season across Canada. Besides, people celebrate Victoria Day across Canada. However, people residing in big cities have more entertainment.

For example, British Columbians enjoy the Day Parade in the Island Farms. It is one of the largest parades in Canada. Victoria Day is also great for relishing fireworks and outdoor events.

Labor Day

Labor Day in Canada is held on the first Monday in September. The holiday indicates the end of the summer season in the country. Families start planning to ready their children for school. So, Labor Day means families returning from cottaging or camping trips and celebrating workers’ rights in Canada.

Christmas

Christmas is the most important public holiday in Canada. People of all faiths celebrate Christmas because it brings happiness, charm, and enjoyment. The celebration of Christmas is different for many Canadians.

For example, some people exchange gifts and spend time with family and friends over a shared meal, while others take winter vacations, cruise excursions, or participate in snow sports. Anyway, Christmas is the best time to relax your mind and body!

Final Words

Public Holidays in Canada are of great importance to the country’s citizens. While Canadians celebrate different holidays throughout the year, the ones given above are the most important. Until Next Time!

  • Article based on personal opinion, experience and research.
  • Photos from Unsplash & canva.
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The Reverend Doctor Kevin George

Flag of canadaPhoto by Hermes Rivera on Unsplash

Doctor Kevin George Story

Originally hailing from Newfoundland, the Reverend Doctor Kevin George is an Anglican priest at St. Aidan’s Church in London, ON with a mission to connect the communities of the world through kindness, compassion, friendship and interfaith relations.

This past September, Rev. Kevin embarked on an ambitious challenge called “55 Hours of Hope”. Starting on September 11 and ending September 13, Rev. Kevin (or “Revy Kevy” as he is sometimes known) preached his message of inclusivity and outreach for a solid 55 hours, only taking one five minute break every hour. In doing so, he raised over $100K for his church community as well as two local charities: ANOVA (an organization dedicated to a future without violence) and Jesse’s Journey (an organization working to fund research into Duchenne muscular dystrophy – a type of muscular dystrophy that primarily affects children).

Not only did this challenge raise money, Rev. Kevin focused his 2+ days of preaching on his message of inclusivity and brother/sisterhood for all people. Throughout his career, Rev. Kevin has been a vocal supporter of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, LGBT rights, welcoming refugees with openness and compassion, protecting the environment, better understanding of mental health, and all marginalized peoples.

How does Kevin inspire others?

Kevin preaches love without borders, inspiring others to seek out the brokenness in those around them by embracing their own brokenness. He guides people to build relationships and further the building of community in an inter-faith manner because of his belief in a God that lives. As a priest and child of God, Rev. Kevin leads through his own example – embracing and uplifting people in need, regardless of any shared or conflicting beliefs.

What is Kevin’s ideal vision that you would like to contribute to the world?

A world of connection and understanding across faiths, cultures, languages, borders and more.

What is the message that Kevin would like to spread?

To welcome all as brothers and sisters.

What is Kevin’s superpower?

Connection to community and building of humanity!

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