Journey Through Canadian Holidays: Traditions & Reflections

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Statutory holidays are integral to Canadians’ lives because they represent various historical events worth remembering. Through celebrations, thoughts, and rest, these occasions are worthy pauses to reflect. They must be aware of these national and provincial holidays for their vacations, work schedules, and public participation, which may depend on them.

In this complete article, we discuss why statutory holidays in Canada are essential and examine their roots, traditions and types of observances.

1. What are Statutory Holidays?

On statutory holidays, also called public holidays or civic holidays, most businesses, schools and government offices are closed to give people time to worship or celebrate important events or cultural days. Canadian holidays ultimately serve as these essential elements in the nation’s life, and we can unwind by choosing to engage in them on occasion, confess introspectively, or even in a manner of social affiliation.

2. National Statutory Holidays in Canada

2.1. Canada Day

Canada Day is Canada’s foremost legal holiday, celebrated and lit by the government on July 1st. It remembers the historical event of the Britain North America Act (now called the Constitution Act, 1867), signed when the three provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Province of Canada were united and became one entity named Canada.

2.1.1. Celebrations

  • Fireworks: Spectacular fireworks displays light up the skies across the nation. Landmarks represent the essence and soul of our country.
  • Parades: Colorful parades that bomb across the city streets, singing, dancing, and displaying national identities mesmerizing the Canadian population.
  • Barbecues and Picnics: During these festive occasions, people gather outdoors to celebrate through BBQs, picnic meals and games.

2.2. Victoria Day

Each Victoria Day is celebrated on Monday, May 25th, to commemorate Queen Victoria’s birthday. Although the Queen’s Birthday Canada public holiday falls on May 24th, the Queen’s Official Birthday is usually observed on Monday to provide Canadians with a long weekend.

canadian people parading
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2.2.1. Traditions

  • Fireworks: Just as Canada Day often has fireworks, fireworks deployment marks Victoria Day as a hallmark of festivity.
  • Outdoor Activities: Countless Canadians take this opportunity to entertain themselves on shore by barbequing, playing volleyball and football, gardening, camping, and hiking.
  • Maypole Dancing: In some communities, pivotal Maypole dancing rituals mark the beginning of the spring season.

2.3. Thanksgiving Day

Canada celebrates Thanksgiving Day each year on the second Monday of October. Unlike the gratitude day of Americans, the harvest festival celebrated by the pilgrims who came in 1631, Canadian Thanksgiving has historical roots in European celebrations and big indigenous ceremonies around harvest time.

2.3.1. Customs

  • Feasting: Families will get together for a grand dinner with a special feast that includes a variety of roasted turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pies.
  • Gratitude: It’s the best time to remember all the goodness that the past 12 months brought AND devote attention to the dearest people.
  • Outdoor Activities: Autumn has become beloved by many because the season has brought them an authentic nature experience from hiking, apple picking, and admiring colorful leaves.

3. Provincial Statutory Holidays

3.1. Alberta

In Alberta, several statutory holidays are observed in addition to the national holidays.

HolidayDateObservance Details
Family DayThird Monday in FebruaryA day to spend time with family and loved ones.
Heritage DayFirst Monday in AugustCelebrates the cultural heritage of Alberta.
Remembrance DayNovember 11Honours the sacrifices of Canadian Armed Forces members.
What are the 12 statutory holidays in Canada?

3.2. Ontario

Ontario also observes its statutory holidays alongside the national ones.

HolidayDateObservance Details
Family DayThird Monday in FebruaryA day dedicated to spending quality time with family.
Victoria DayMonday preceding May 25thCelebrates the birthday of Queen Victoria.
Civic HolidayFirst Monday in AugustAlso known as Simcoe Day in Toronto.
A man with canadian flag on cap
Photo by Andy Holmes on Unsplash

3.3. Quebec

Quebec boasts its unique holidays that reflect its distinct cultural identity.

HolidayDateObservance Details
Saint-Jean-Baptiste DayJune 24thCelebrates the culture and heritage of Quebec.
National Holiday of QuebecJune 24thThe traditional day for moving residences in Quebec.
Moving DayJune 24thThe traditional day for moving residences in Quebec.

4. How Statutory Holidays Impact Work and Business

Statutory holidays often affect the lives of employers and employees by affecting their work schedules, payments, and operational considerations.

  • Employer Obligations: Employers are mandated to give eligible staff paid no-work time on official holidays or the consideration as necessary.
  • Employee Rights: Employees may have the right to be directly denied when they refuse to work on public holidays or receive their premium pay for working those days.
  • Business Operations: Certain businesses, exclusively retail and food outlets, might keep functioning on holiday, while the others, for example, banks and people’s offices, usually close.
canadian flag waving in sky
Photo by Jp Valery on Unsplash

5. Planning and Enjoying Statutory Holidays

Make the most of statutory holidays by planning and engaging in enjoyable activities that celebrate the occasion’s spirit.

  • Family Time: Instead of getting restless or engaged in endless browsing, you can make the best of these holidays by making it a family and friends’ day. Beyond the holiday dinner, you can go for an outing, play a game or do anything you want to do during the celebration.
  • Community Events: Check out the primary event list for your location’s festivals, parades, and cultural performances.
  • Travel Opportunities: Plan trips to new areas of interest, near or far, over long weekends to build up on precious moments with your loved ones.
  • Safety First: Do remember to place a premium on safety during holiday celebrations; be this the travel, the cooking or the engagement in any recreational activities.

6. Conclusion

In summary, statutory holidays are a significant aspect of Canadian society that brings joy to citizens through celebrations, contemplations, and communal engagement. By receiving national and regional holidays, people can arrange their life plans, participate in traditional festivals, and enrich their national festive activities.

As you pass through the different months of the year, please note to make entries on your daybook for statutory holidays and let’s all come out to rejoice and appreciate their significance together.

Last Updated on by Khushahal Malakar

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