Celebrating Canada’s 157th birthday in Villeray-Parc-Extension
Posted July 1, 2024 5:59 pm.
Last Updated July 1, 2024 7:02 pm.
Community spirit and joy are filling the air for a family festivity in Villeray-Parc-Extension, organized by the National Bangladeshi-Canadian Council and supported by Canadian Heritage and local partners. Families and newcomers are enjoying a Canada Day cake, free BBQ, a vibrant mix of music, folk songs, dances, and children’s activities.
The event celebrates Canadian and ethnic cultures alike.
“Every year we celebrate and I’m here I enjoy this program so well. We have beautiful music, the BBQ, after the cake, and the desert, and the watermelon. So that’s a fantastic, fantastic event,” says Gandhi Raksha who celebrates in Parc-Extension for 30 years.
“Honestly for my personal background, I am privileged to be born in Canada. My parents immigrated in Canada because for them it is the best country in the world. So I get to celebrate each year on July 1st in Parc Extension my Canadian pride and to also reflect the Canadian history as well and to celebrate Canada is a welcoming land,” says Samyha Hossain, Youth Ambassador for the National Bangladeshi-Canadian Council.
Hossain has been co-organizing this event for 20 years now alongside her parents. She takes pride and feels grateful for what the country has provided to her and her family.
“I love this country. I’ve been to Europe, I’ve been to Asia, but here, it’s where I feel like home,” says a Montrealer.
“For me, It’s the land of opportunities. It’s the land where my parents were able to give me a chance to be able to express my opinions without any fear. Canada is the country who offered me that opportunity. I have to be thankful for my parents for that,” adds Hossain.
“Canada is a nice country. Clean, we are not worried for anything, it’s safe. Everything is perfect”, reflects Raksha.
