TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Canadian Trade Office in Taipei on Wednesday announced that Celebration Canada 2026, the largest Canada Day festival outside Canada, will take place on June 27 in Taipei.

Marie-Louise Hannan, executive director of the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei (CTOT), said the event will celebrate both Canada’s 159th birthday and the office’s 40th anniversary in Taiwan. Organized by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and CTOT with support from the Taipei City Government, the festival will run from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Taipei City Hakka Cultural Park.

Hannan said more than 10,000 people take part every year. "Thousands of participants come together, and they make visible the fact that they're strong, confident," said Hannan.

She said, “We have a good relationship between Canada and Taiwan, and people really want to associate with that and want to be part of it.” She said the celebration will reflect the richness and diversity of Canada and what Canada and Taiwan mean to each other.

At a deeper level, Hannan said the event “really does affirm what brings Canada and Taiwan together." She said Canada and Taiwan share enduring convictions: “We believe in Democracy, in the strength of diversity, and openness to the world.”

Hannan said these principles are not merely symbolic. “We actually put these principles into action,” she said. The principles take the form of initiatives the two countries pursue together and events such as Canada Day.

Hannan said the event represents “a marker of 40 years of sustained engagement and dialogue and working together between Canada and Taiwan.” She said she hoped the two sides had built a relationship that is modern, action-oriented, and forward-looking.

She said the celebration serves as a chance to reflect on what the countries have done together and “what we have the capacity to build if we work together.” She closed by offering the wish that in the celebration, attendees will find “a reason to rejoice, an opportunity to discover something new, and perhaps some renewed conviction about the ties between Canada and Taiwan and what they mean to them individually.”

Te'Qin Windham, chair of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, said the event is the largest Canada Day celebration outside Canada, drawing 5,000 to 10,000 people each year. She expressed optimism that this year's festivities could surpass previous records.

Windham said the event will include food, music, games, and raffles. There will be a battle of three bands performing on stage, competing for a cash prize.

A new feature this year is a preliminary battle of eight bands at Triangle. The top three will play at Celebration Canada.

Featured bands will include Balkazaar, Dex Factor, Allstar Band, and one yet-to-be-decided band. The genres of music covered will include hip-hop, country, folk, pop, house, Taiwanese songs, and sludge metal.

The celebration will also include a singing of the Canadian national anthem and a ceremonial cake-cutting featuring cakes from Taipei City Hakka Cultural Park and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Windham said the annual poutine-eating contest will return as one of the event’s most popular attractions.

A raffle drawing with 60 to 75 prizes will be held starting at 6:15 p.m. The grand prize, awarded at 9 p.m. at the end of the event, will be a round-trip ticket presented by EVA Air.

Food includes “Canadian classics and global flavors” such as maple treats, smoked meat, and poutine. Beverages include Canadian drinks and cocktails, such as Caesars, Canadian Club, Crown Royal, and Parallel 49 Craft Lager. 

There will be a family zone with games, activities, workshops, and educational experiences for kids and families. A Canadian sports zone will provide opportunities to experience sports such as ground hockey, curling, and cornhole.

The event photobooth will enable visitors to capture memories with a Canada-themed background. Talent Taiwan will have booths with 10 different businesses for foreigners who want to come to Taiwan to live and work.

The following weekend, on July 4, there will be a joint Canada-US celebration in Kaohsiung. Windham stressed that CTOT's purpose is to support all Canadian community members and businesses throughout Taiwan.

A reporter asked if adjustments have been made to the event in the wake of geopolitical shifts and sporting events, such as the “Elbows Up” movement and the co-hosting of the World Cup. Windham said bands are encouraged to play Canadian music and include some French songs in their set.

To show Canadian pride, Windham said Canadian-themed tote bags and shirts will be for sale at the event. She said a separate event will be held for the World Cup, perhaps a watch party.

Hannan said the June 27 event is about being inclusive and friendly, “and that's part of our national pride and character, so it's not about excluding anyone, and our American friends are very, very welcome." She said no leaders had to encourage the public to feel proud of being Canadian.

Referring to US President Donald Trump's comments about annexing Canada, Hannan stressed, “The idea of having Canada anymore, just forget it. We've rejected that." She added, "So we can move on, and we can have a really good celebration on June 27."

Windham said the event is free and open to all members of the public, thanks to partners and sponsors.

Alcohol consumption may be harmful to your health.