O Canada

O Canada was composed in 1880 by Calixa Lavallée, with lyrics by Adolphe-Basile Routhier. The piece was part of a contest organized by French-speaking citizens of Montreal for a patriotic song to celebrate St. Jean Baptiste Day. O Canada was first performed publicly in Quebec City on July 1, 1880, and quickly gained popularity. Originally written in French, over time it became a symbol of unity across Canada’s diverse communities – capturing the hearts of both French and English Canadians. In 1906, Robert Stanley Weir created an English translation of the anthem, which was first performed publicly in 1908.

Though O Canada existed as an unofficial anthem for many years, it was officially adopted by the Canadian government in 1980, marking a century since its creation. The anthem's dual-language lyrics symbolize Canada’s multicultural heritage and the unity of its two founding nations. It has since become an enduring symbol of national pride, with its music and words evoking a deep sense of patriotism and collective identity. O Canada stands as a powerful emblem of Canada's sovereignty, reflecting the nation’s values and the spirit of togetherness.