Holidays in Canada.

Canada

Canada is the second largest state after Russia. There are two official languages in Canada: English and French. There are provinces where people speak only one language.

Symbols of Canada

There are three well-known Canadian symbols. They are Canadian maple, the horse and the beaver. These symbols reflect man’s connection with nature, which is very great in the country.

Canadian maple

A maple is known as the national symbol of Canada. You can see a maple leaf on the national flag. It is interesting to know that the number of teeth on the maple leaf corresponds to the number of species of maple that can be found in Canada.

The Horse

A horse was brought to Canada by the first Europeans centuries ago and became very important in the life of native tribes. It was the best borrowing from the white man’s culture.

The Beaver

A beaver is the symbol of ecological approach to the world. It symbolizes a very careful attitude to nature. The animal can live only in clean waters.

Canadians are workaholics, there aren’t very many holidays during the year when they don’t go to work.

Smoking is forbidden in all public places.

Canadians value punctuality. It isn’t polite to be late.

Official Holidays

Holidays in Canada are divided into official and unofficial. Some special official holidays are Canada Day, Queen Victoria Day, Civic Day Holiday and Labour Day.

It is the national holiday in Canada, the day when it became an independent state. It is celebrated on July 1. The main events are usually held on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, the capital of Canada. Parades, concerts, fireworks take place there and all over the country.

Queen Victoria Day

It is celebrated on 24 May, the birthday of Queen Victoria (1837-1901). They celebrate it because Canada is a part of the Commonwealth of Nations, and the British monarch is the head of the Commonwealth. The British celebrate Queen Elizabeth's birthday and Canadians – Victoria’s. Concerts, fireworks, show programmes are usually held on that day.

Civic Day Holiday

The Canadian government consider it important to arrange a day off for the whole country. It is celebrated on the first Monday of August. All people in Canada have a rest on that day. Most Canadians celebrate it with the family.

Labor Day

It is a holiday for all working people. The holiday is celebrated on the first Monday of September. The holiday is famous for its great fairs, auto races and different festivals. For most Canadians it is a good opportunity to spend a day with their families arranging picnics, parties and trips to the country.

Canadian festivals.

There are several very interesting annual festivals in Canada. The most amazing of them are Montreal Just for Laughs Festival, the Festival of Lights, Winterlude and many others.

Montreal Just for Laughs Festival

It is one of the most popular festivals in Canada held every July in Montreal. It attracts about two million spectators annually. One can enjoy free street performances and performances of clowns and comedians. The symbol of the festival is a strange green creature with red ears.

The Festival Of Lights.

A magnificent Festival of Lights is held in winter in Vancouver. The city is decorated with lots of shining lights, shapes of light, which create the atmosphere of magic. It is considered to be the largest firework competition in the world.

Winterlude

This winter festival with a witty name Winterlude is usually celebrated in Ottawa. You can enjoy the longest ice rink, the snowy playgrounds, ice sculptures during the festival.