Heritage Day In Nova Scotia

While many other Canadian provinces celebrate Family Day on Monday, February 15th, in Nova Scotia we celebrate Heritage Day. What’s cool about Heritage Day you ask? Well, each year, we honour an individual or group of people who have made Nova Scotia the special place it is.

This year, we are honouring Edward Arab. The son and grandson of immigrants from Lebanon, Edward was the eldest of five children and was born in 1915. His family was not a wealthy one, and they lived in downtown Halifax, often above his father’s store.

He went to St Pat’s and later graduated from Dalhousie Law School. As a young lawyer, Edward gained a reputation for working on cases that combated prejudice and racism. He was always very firm that no immigrant, African-American, or person of poverty should be refused his services, regardless if they could pay. He furthered the causes of a number of groups in the city and was even the first president of the Canadian Lebanon Society in 1938.

Although exempted from war service, like many young men, he wanted to do his part. He became a Lieutenant in the Lincoln and Welland Regiment in 1942 and in 1944 at 29 years old Lieutenant Edward Arab, and approximately 6,500 other Canadians died in the battle of Scheldt Estuary in Holland.

Nova Scotia's first Heritage Day took place in 2015, which celebrated Viola Desmond. At that time, the next seven honourees were announced, including Edward Francis Arab.

Looking for some things to do this Heritage Day with your family? Here are some ideas.

Heritage Day - Day Camp

Where: Community Centre, Greenwood
Date: Mon. February 15, 2021
Time:7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Details: A full day of fun and activities for youth age 6-12! Running from 7:30am-4:30pm and with activities happening indoors and out there will be lots of fun and excitement. Pre-registration is mandatory - Click Here to Sign Up

Love and Basketball

Where: Al Whittle Theatre, Wolfville
Date: Mon. February 15, 2021
Time:7:00 pm
Details: Keep that Valentine spirit going - it is a holiday after all. The Romance series concludes with this charming story of childhood friends that connect and disconnect over the years.

In 1981 in L.A., Monica moves in next door to Quincy. They're 11, and both want to play in the NBA, just like Quincy's dad. Their love-hate relationship lasts into high school. As high school ends, they come together as a couple, but within a year, it leads to a break-up. Some years later, their pro careers at a crossroads, they meet again. It's time for a final game of one-on-one with high stakes.

Just Us will be open until 7 pm and they have a special Valentine cocktail or non-alcoholic drink available to purchase!

Cost:$10 at the door. Cash, debit or credit. Includes Valentine chocolate from Just Us!
Email: manager@alwhittletheatre.ca
Phone: 902-542-3344
Website: https://alwhittletheatre.ca/

Heritage Day Nova Scotia

Next year Nova Scotia will honour the Grand Pré National Historic Site. To mark the 10th anniversary of the Landscape of Grand-Pré becoming a UNESCO World Heritage site, we will celebrate this National Historic Site of Canada, which commemorates the Acadians of Minas Basin and the event which took them from their homes, the Deportation.

Celebrated the third Monday in February, Nova Scotia Heritage Day is an annual reminder of our storied past and an opportunity to honour the remarkable people, places and events that have contributed to this province’s unique heritage.