The Canada Day parade in Montreal has been cancelled for 2024, according to organizer Nicholas Cohen. Cohen, who has been involved with the parade for 24 years, cited increasing difficulties in obtaining necessary permits and funding from various government authorities as the main reasons for the cancellation.
A Long-Standing Tradition
The parade, which first took place in 1977, attracts approximately 120,000 attendees each year. Cohen expressed hope that the parade could return in the future but noted the current challenges made organizing this year’s event impossible.
Challenges and Frustrations
In a news release, Cohen explained that last-minute rule changes and stringent requests from authorities had made the organization process virtually impossible. The organization behind the parade, Défilé de la fête du Canada à Montréal, did not respond to requests for further comments.
Alternative Celebrations
Despite the cancellation of the parade, Montreal will still host other Canada Day events. Festivities in Old Montreal, funded by the federal government, will kick off with a 21-gun salute at 1:30 p.m. in front of the Old Port clock tower. Various activities will take place throughout the day, culminating in a fireworks display at 10 p.m.
Montrealers can still look forward to celebrating Canada Day, even without the traditional parade.
