Celebrations, protests and fireworks: Montrealers brave rainy Canada Day events
Some celebrations have been delayed, cancelled due to poor weather
Montrealers came out in droves this rainy weekend to commemorate the 150thanniversary of the Canadian Confederation.
Along with the annual parade and activities in the Old Port, there were alsoprotestsin downtown Montreal Saturday afternoon.
Demonstrators marched through the festivities under heavy police surveillance.
It's not a celebratory mood for all. About 20 people at Old Port gathered for anti-colonialism protest. They walked peacefully around site. pic.twitter.com/au4cQFAhLK
—@SMarandola
Festivities in Old Montreal
Old Montreal hosteda number of activities, including craft workshops, flag making and knot trying.
The military parade that was supposed to take place in honour of Canada's150th and Montreal's 375th anniversaries was cancelled again.
These Montrealers are ready to celebrate. (Left to right). Regina Stefan, Maria Nastorica, Antonio Maxim and
Sergio Maxim. #Canada150 pic.twitter.com/l0FifRY5s6
—@SMarandola
There wasa 21-cannon salute, face painting, art stations, cake,musical performances in the evening and of course, fireworks to cap off the day.
New Canadians weresworn in at 1 p.m. while the Canadian Armed Forces military band will oversee the raising of the flag.
The parade
While the weather isn't what many had hoped for, the parade in downtown Montreal went on as planned.
"It's only water,not soft drinks, not oil, just water. You get wet, then you dry off," said volunteer Lo Fauvel.
The parade kicked offat 11 a.m. on the corner of Fort andSte-Catherinestreets and wrapped up around 2 p.m. with the cutting of a giantcake made to feed thousands.
Local events
As part of the 375th anniversary of Montreal, LaGrande Tourne is going from park to park offering free circus performances and activities for families.
This weekend, they will be in Kent Park inCte-des-NeigesNotre-Dame-de-Grce.
- Make CBC Montreal part of your Canada Day
- 150 celebrations highlight Quebec's complicated relationship with Canada
At theMarch des Possibles near the Rosemont overpass, there is afamily-friendly party including music, workshops and food. Admission is free.
You can also take advantage of the new lights on the Jacques Cartier Bridge by tweeting with the hashtag#Canada150to make it light up red.
On #CanadaDay, use the hashtag #Canada150 to create red digital light fireworks on @Montreals interactive #bridge! https://t.co/56TazjBScZ pic.twitter.com/9cSGXkFLf2
—@Moment_Factory
With files from Navneet Pall