Sydney Santa Claus Parades

Santa Claus parades or Christmas pageants are parades held in some countries to celebrate the official opening of the Christmas season with the arrival of Santa Claus. The parades usually include themed floats, dancing or marching groups and bands playing Christmas songs. The Santa Claus parade is a century old tradition in Canada with the first parade having been held in 1905. Santa Claus parades in Canada signal the start of winter fun and festive celebrations.

On Saturday November 30, 2013 ICEAP NS took part in the annual Santa Claus Christmas parade; approximately 30 floats and hundreds of participants took part in the Cape Breton tradition. This is the fourth time that ICEAP NS took part in the tradition and over 80 students and staff helped decorate and participate in the float. The parade route started in downtown Sydney ended in the Mosque in Whitney Pier. Being a part of the Santa Claus Parade allowed students to be a part of the Cape Breton culture and kicked off the Christmas season.