The community is invited to attend the annual City of Victoria New Year’s Day Levee on Friday, January 1, 2016, from 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre.
Drop by to enjoy a complimentary swim or workout, meet members of Council over coffee and treats, and celebrate the arrival of the New Year. All are welcome and admission is free.
A Levee is a time-honoured tradition that provides an opportunity for citizens and City representatives to exchange greetings and welcome in the New Year.
The word “levee” is derived from the French verb “lever” which means to rise. During the rule of King Louis XIV (1643 – 1715), aristocrats would meet with guests in the morning shortly after rising. By the 18th century, Great Britain and Ireland had made the Levee a formal Court reception for men, hosted by the Sovereign or his/her representative just before or after noon.
In Canada, fur traders made it a tradition to pay their respects to the Master of the Fort or government representative on the first day of the year. Today, the Levee is a New Year’s Day social event, hosted by the Governor General of Canada, Lieutenant-Governors, military establishments, municipalities and other institutions.
