Holiday on June 27: Canada Celebrates National Anthem Day
June 27 is National Anthem Day in Canada. On this day in 1980, the country’s parliament passed a law officially designating the song “O Canada” as the national anthem. For Canadians, it is not just a piece of music, but one of the country’s main symbols, played at sports arenas, government ceremonies, in schools, and during national holidays.
Canada’s National Anthem Day is celebrated annually on June 27. It was on this day in 1980 that the country’s Parliament passed the National Anthem Act, and on July 1, during Canada Day celebrations, the law went into effect. Since then, the song “O Canada” has officially been the country’s national anthem, although it had in fact been performed at ceremonial events long before that.
The history of the anthem dates back to the 19th century. The melody was composed by Canadian composer Calixa Lavallée, and the French lyrics were written by judge and poet Adolphe-Basile Routhier. The song was first performed on June 24, 1880, in Quebec City during the celebration of St. John the Baptist Day. Initially, it was a song for French-speaking Canadians, but over the years it became popular throughout the country.
Interestingly, the English text, which most Canadians know today, is not a literal translation of the French version. It was written in 1908 by lawyer Robert Stanley Weir. The lyrics were revised several times later, with the most recent changes made in 2018, when one of the phrases was made gender-neutral. The French lyrics, however, have remained unchanged since the 19th century.
Before “O Canada” was officially adopted, the country did not have a single national anthem. At various events, people might sing “O Canada,” the British royal anthem “God Save the King,” or other patriotic songs. However, “O Canada” gradually became the country’s best-known song and had effectively served as the national anthem since the 1930s. It was not until a decade later that this status was enshrined in law.
On National Anthem Day, themed concerts, musical performances, school events, and historical lectures are held across Canada. In many cities, the history of the song’s creation is commemorated on this day, and museums and cultural centers organize exhibitions dedicated to the country’s national symbols. Special attention is given to young people to explain how one of Canada’s most famous symbols came to be.
Another interesting feature is that Canada is an officially bilingual country. Because of this, “O Canada” is often performed in both English and French. During major sporting events, international tournaments, and national ceremonies, a combined version is often performed, symbolizing the country’s unity and respect for its cultural diversity.
For most Canadians, this day is yet another opportunity to reflect on the history of their country and the people who created one of the world’s most famous national symbols. Although the main celebrations in the country traditionally take place on July 1, June 27 is considered the date when “O Canada” received official status and became a permanent part of Canadian history.
