Just as you are likely to take a vacation during July and August, so do national holidays. After six months of one holiday after another, and before the massive end-of-year traffic jam of celebrations, late summer brings about a minor respite. Even the few holidays that do pop up during bikini season are different from those that are celebrated during colder weather. Instead of exchanging gifts, many people will be busy celebrating their major national holidays.

Canada Day: July 1
July is quite the month for celebrations of national birthdays. July holidays may be few, but things start off fast and furious with two birthday observances of the biggest land masses in the western hemisphere. July 1 is Canada Day, a federal national holiday celebrated in the Great White North. Canada Day is the first of three days in July that commemorate a spirit of national pride. In this case, the day marks not so much independence as the unification of the Canadian provinces on July 1 through the adoption of the British North America Act of 1867.

This holiday was originally known as Dominion Day until it was officially changed in 1982, in part because it had already been unofficially changed by residents who had been referring to the celebration as “Canada Day” for years. The activities that take place on July 1 bear a strong similarity to the events that take place down south three days later: parades, air shows and outdoor concerts, all climaxing with a fireworks display at night. In addition, new citizens are sworn in on Canada Day.

Independence Day: July 4
Whether the celebration is termed the Fourth of July or Independence Day, Americans know exactly what you're talking about. The history of this holiday is taught in every school in America, is routinely recounted on TV documentaries and even provides the basis for a Broadway musical and movie titled "1776."

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