Natal Day in Nova Scotia

Natal Day in Nova Scotia

First Monday in AugustSeveral of Canada's provinces observe a holiday on the first Monday in August. In Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia, and throughout the province, this day is known as Natal Day in celebration of the municipality's birthday. Its official name is Alexander Keith's Natal Day, in recognition of the prominent local brewer and politician who lived in the 19th century. The holiday's main organizer is the Halifax Regional Municipality.
In 1895, local leaders made plans for an official celebration to mark the arrival of the railway, slated for August of that year. In response to the news that the tracks had not yet been completed, the leaders decided to keep the date but alter the celebration to remember the municipality's birthday instead.
Family activities take place during the few days leading up to Natal Day. In Halifax there is a concert and a fireworks show at Angus L. Macdonald Bridge in the harbor. Dartmouth, a neighbor city, has in past years hosted its own fireworks show at Lake Banook Cove. It also hosts the Dartmouth Natal Day Road Race, a running competition held since 1907.
CONTACTS:
Alexander Keith's Natal Day Festival
Halifax-Dartmouth Natal Day Steering Committee
P.O. Box 1749
Halifax, NS B3J 3A5 Canada
www.natalday.org
SOURCES:
AnnivHol-2000, p. 145