Important Festivals in British Columbia

British Columbia keeps the main Canadian days and adds a few of its own. Families leave town for some of them. Others stay close to home.

Canada Day

• It is the birthday of the country. Canada became a nation on 1 July 1867.
• Flags go up on houses and cars. Many towns hold parades.
• Families picnic in parks or by the water. Food is grilled.
• Fireworks light the sky after dark in most cities and towns.
• It is a day off. People stay outside until late.
• The point is the country itself. Songs and flags mark the day.

British Colombia Day (BC Day)

• It is the first Monday in August. The province marks its own day.
• Offices and shops close. It is a long weekend.
• Families go to the lake, the beach, or a cabin.
• Barbecues and swimming fill the time. No big parade is needed.
• It sits in the middle of summer. The weather is warm.
• The point is a break. People rest before fall starts.

Thanksgiving

• It is the second Monday in October. The harvest is the old reason.
• Families share one large meal. Turkey, stuffing, and pie are usual.
• People say what they are glad for before they eat.
• Guests bring a dish. The host cooks the main meat.
• It is quieter than summer days. Walks follow the meal.
• The point is thanks and family. The table is the centre.

Christmas

• It is the winter holiday. The old solstice and the Christian day sit together now.
• Christmas Eve is for family. The 25th is the main day.
• A tree is decorated. Gifts sit under it and are opened in the morning.
• Dinner is turkey or ham. Relatives visit through the day.
• Lights go on houses. Carols are sung in some towns.
• The point is the house closed in together. Dark days turn lighter.

Pacific National Exhibition

• It is a big fair held in Vancouver each summer. It has run for more than a century.
• Rides, games, farm animals, and food fill the grounds.
• Families go for a day. Children ride the roller coaster.
• Concerts and shows happen in the evenings.
• It is not a holiday date. It is the event people plan around.
• The point is the fair itself. Summer ends with it for many.