New Year’s Day observed in Canada ― Date, History, and Details
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History of New Year’s Day observed in Canada and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
In Canada, New Year’s Day is a public holiday. It is observed on January 1, the first day of the year on the Gregorian calendar.
The holiday is a time to celebrate the beginning of a new year and to reflect on the past year. Many people spend the day with family and friends, attending parties or participating in other festive activities.
In some parts of the country, particularly in Quebec, the holiday is known as “Réveillon” and is celebrated with special meals and alcohol-fuelled festivities.
While the exact origins of New Year’s Day are unclear, the holiday has been celebrated for millennia. The ancient Romans, for example, marked the start of the new year on March 1. The date was later changed to January 1 by Julius Caesar.
In Canada, New Year’s Day is a statutory holiday, which means that most businesses are closed. Some stores and restaurants may be open, but hours may be reduced. Public transit systems may also operate on a holiday schedule.