Canadian multiculturalism has produced a cultural mosaic of holidays and celebrations, from Caribana to Kwanza to the summer solstice. There is perhaps no better example of the embrace and tolerance of Canada’s unique cultural heritage than the way in which all Canadians area freely allowed and encouraged to celebrate their holidays.

Canada’s cultural mosaic usually puts on its most lavish show in December and January. In addition to the many Christian denominations who celebrate Christmas across a wide variety of specific dates this is the time of Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa, and many other celebrations.

Various nationalities will have specific celebrations throughout the year, each drawing some interest from rest of Canadian society (even if it’s only a passing curiosity). From Muslims celebrating Ramadan to Scots celebrating Robbie Burns Day to entire neighbourhoods gathering to ring in the Chinese New Year each ethnic community within Canada features its own exuberant celebrations. These celebrations are often especially significant to their participants because they are held in Canada – celebrations may be more muted in the homelands by war, poverty or disease, or even banned outright by authoritarian governments.

Culturally-specific holidays like Yom Kippur, Easter, The Hajj, Cinco de Mayo and many others are held throughout the year, with no restrictions placed on them, provided they do not break Canadian law. Even the rituals of groups banned in other countries are allowed, like those of the China’s Falun Gong.

Yet some holidays are distinctly Canadian. Canada Day, Canada’s national holiday, is celebrated on July 1st, and marks the country’s birth as a confederation of provinces which gained independence from Great Britain in 1867. Celebrations include picnics, fireworks displays and the day off work, and since school ends in June in Canada it is often seen as the true start of summer vacation.

Canada also celebrates Victoria Day in May, an odd leftover from our colonial heritage celebrating the birth of Queen Victoria. This also includes a day off work, and has been embraced by most Canadians as the unofficial beginning of summer weather and a chance to relax with family and friends.

Canadian Thanksgiving is celebrated earlier than its American counterpart, on the second Monday in October, since the shorter summers in Canada mean that by mid-October most of the harvest is now in. Turkey is usually a staple, as is getting together with family and friends, though shopping and football are not.

The most important aspect of the holidays celebrated in Canada is not the number, type or traditions. It is the fact that all Canadians, regardless of origin, race or creed, are freely allowed to celebrate their cultural heritage as they see fit, with no obligation to relinquish or withhold any part of who they are in order to participate in Canadian society.