Canadians celebrated the nation’s 150th anniversary with fireworks and poutine — here are the photos

By Melia Robinson From Business Insider

It’s Canada’s birthday!

July 1, also known as Canada Day, marks the 150th anniversary of the confederation. An estimated half a million people are expected to attend celebrations in the capital Ottawa, where the government spent approximately half a billion Canadian dollars (US $386 million) on the festivities.

See how Canadians and a couple of royal visitors celebrated.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau kicked off the festivities in a visit with Prince Charles, whose mother, the Queen, remains Canada’s head of state 150 years after its independence.

Britain’s Prince Charles meets with Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, Ontario.Chris Wattie/Reuters

Prince Charles and his wife Camilla spent the last several days visiting museums, monuments, and even startups in Canada. July 1 marks the end of their royal tour.

Britain’s Prince Charles during Canada Day celebrations on Parliament Hill as the country marks its 150th anniversary since confederation, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, July 1, 2017.Chris Wattie/Reuters

The Duchess of Cornwall greeted onlookers outside the Canadian Museum of History.

Britain’s Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, greets onlookers while touring the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada July 1, 2017.Chris Wattie/Reuters

Meanwhile, Canadians poured into the streets surrounding Parliament Hill.

Despite the rain, people wait in a security line to enter Parliament Hill during Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.Blair Gable/Reuters

On the Hill, astronauts, politicians, royalty, and stars such as Shania Twain and Bono are expected to appear. The rain did not stop hundreds of thousands from turning out.

Despite the rain, people wait on Parliament Hill during Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.Blair Gable/Reuters

On stage, Trudeau congratulated Canada on its reputation of inclusivity and diversity.

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks during Canada Day celebrations on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.Chris Wattie/Reuters

“For thousands of years, in this place, people have met, traded, built, loved, lost, fought and grieved. They built strong communities, they worked hard to build better lives for their kids and learned to lean on their neighbours,” Trudeau said on stage, according to CTV News.

The whole Trudeau clan showed up!

Prince Charles and his wife Camilla watch the “Canada 150” celebrations beside Justin Trudeau, his wife Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, and their three children Hadrien Trudeau, Ella-Grace Trudeau, and Xavier Trudeau on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.Chris JacksonGetty

U2 frontman Bono delivered a heartwarming statement before playing with The Edge.

Teeny Bono and the Edge

A post shared by Mireille Éliane (@melapens) on Jul 1, 2017 at 11:28am PDT on Jul 1, 2017 at 11:28am PDT

“Whether you have just arrived from Syria or your roots go back thousands of years, this is your home and we are grateful guests in it. When others build walls, you open doors. When others divide, your arms are open wide. Where you lead, others follow,” Bono said on stage.

Country singer and Canadian Shania Twain snapped a photo with a couple of Mounties.

There was no shortage of the red-suited law enforcement officers.

Britain’s Prince Charles rides in a motorcade during Canada Day celebrations on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.Chris Wattie/Reuters

Beer and poutine — a regional dish made with french fries and cheese curds topped with a light brown gravy — fueled the party through the afternoon.

Canadians threw parties and parades across the Great White North on July 1.

People watch the East York Toronto Canada Day parade in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.Mark Blinch/Reuters

An annual Canada Day parade in East York, a borough of Toronto, drew small, but no less joyful crowds. It culminated in a midway complete with carnival rides and fireworks.

People participate in the East York Toronto Canada Day parade in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.Mark Blinch/Reuters

Proud Canadians showed their colors.

Clara Swain looks on with a painted face as she participates in the East York Toronto Canada Day parade in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.Mark Blinch/Reuters

The celebrations didn’t end at the Canadian border.

Citizens living in the UK gathered for a “Canada 150” celebration, which included an exhibition hockey game and an early morning yoga class, in London’s Trafalgar Square.

People take part in a yoga class at the start of a “Canada 150” celebration in Trafalgar Square, London, Saturday, July 1, 2017.Matt Dunham/AP

Soldiers in the Canadian-led NATO enhanced Forward Presence battlegroup played street hockey while donning their maple leaf hats at the Adazi Military Base in Latvia.

Canadian-led NATO enhanced Forward Presence battlegroup soldiers celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Confederation on Canada Day at Adazi Military Base, Latvia July 1, 2017.Ints Kalnins/Reuters

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