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       |             THE MONTREAL GREEK TIMES GOPHER NEWS SERVICE             |
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                                      July 2026                                
       
       Canada Day and the Greek celebration of belonging in Laval
       
 (GIF) article photo
       
       By Dimitri Papadopoulos
       
       
       Every year on July 1, Canadians mark Canada Day, the national holiday
       that commemorates the creation of Canada in 1867. On that date, the
       British North America Act, now known as the Constitution Act, 1867,
       brought together the provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario
       and Quebec into a new federation called the Dominion of Canada.
       
       The holiday was first observed after Governor General Lord Monck called
       on Canadians to celebrate the anniversary of Confederation in 1868. In
       1879, July 1 became a federal statutory holiday, known for many years as
       Dominion Day. In 1982, the same year Canada patriated its Constitution,
       the holiday was officially renamed Canada Day.
       
       Canada Day is often described as the country’s birthday, but it is more
       than a date on the calendar. It is a celebration of Confederation, of
       the country’s institutions, of its people, and of the many communities
       that have helped build Canadian society. Across the country, it is
       marked with concerts, family gatherings, citizenship ceremonies, flags,
       fireworks and community festivals.
       
       For Greeks in the Montreal area, Canada Day has also become closely
       connected with one of the major events of the summer: the Hellenic
       Community of Greater Montreal’s Laval summer festival. Held around
       July 1 at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Chomedey, the
       festival has long brought together Greek families from Laval,
       Montreal, the North Shore and beyond.
       
       The celebration combines the symbols of Canada with the traditions of
       Hellenism. Visitors gather for souvlaki from the grill, Greek pastries,
       frappé, music, dancing, children’s activities and the familiar reunion
       atmosphere of a Greek community festival. It is a place where
       generations meet: grandparents, parents, children, volunteers, youth
       groups, community leaders and friends who return year after year.
       
       In Laval, Canada Day is therefore celebrated with both the maple leaf
       and the blue and white of Greece. It is a moment to honour the country
       that became home to thousands of Greek immigrants and their
       descendants, while keeping alive the language, faith, food, music and
       customs they brought with them.
       
       For the Greek community, July 1 is not only a national holiday. It is
       also a celebration of belonging: proud to be Greek, proud to be
       Canadian, and proud to contribute to the life of Quebec and Canada.
       
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