The day after Christmas, Dec. 26, is the Feast of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr. This day is also known as Boxing Day, as church poor boxes are opened. In Canada and many western countries, the day is observed as a public holiday. The day is celebrated by many in giving or purchasing gifts. It is also customary to hold sporting activities on the day.
This day celebrates the anniversary of July 1, 1867, which is the date of the Constitution Act. Many Canadians enjoy festive activities with family and friends including outdoor activities, sharing meals and observing fireworks. It is a statutory holiday in Ontario.
This day celebrates the anniversary of July 1, 1867, which is the date of the Constitution Act. Many Canadians enjoy festive activities with family and friends including outdoor activities, sharing meals and observing fireworks. It is a statutory holiday in Ontario.
Family Day is celebrated on the third Monday in February in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, PEI and Saskatchewan, and the second Monday in February in BC.
This day celebrates working people and is held on the first Monday of September. Celebrations include picnics, water activities, fireworks and public events. For many, it is a last chance to travel before the school year begins.
New Year’s Day has been celebrated as a holiday by Western nations for more than 400 years. Celebrations include making of resolutions for the year to come, parties on the evening of Dec. 31 and a toast at midnight when the New Year officially begins. On New Year's Day itself, many people watch football games, parades and spend the day with family and friends.
Kwanzaa is an African-American cultural holiday that has been adopted around the world, including in Canada, to celebrate African family, community, and culture. Kwanzaa was established to affirm African-American culture and unite Black communities after the race riots in the Watts area of Los Angeles in 1965. Kwanzaa was first celebrated in 1966, and has been celebrated Dec. 26 to Jan. 1 since then. Kwanzaa was celebrated in Canada by 1993.
Remembrance Day commemorates the armistice signed to end the First World War at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, 1918, being the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of that year. Every year on Nov. 11, Canadians pause in a silent moment of remembrance for the men and women who have served, and continue to serve, our country during times of war, conflict and peace.