The vast, green land of Canada turned into a sea of red and white Wednesday as citizens across the country rallied outdoors to celebrate their country's 142nd birthday.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride participate in Canada Day celebrations on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, capital of Canada, July 1, 2009. Canadians celebrated their country's 142nd birthday on Wednesday. [Xinhua]

Parades, carnivals, barbecues, air and maritime shows, fireworks and concerts ... outdoor public events were held in all major cities, drawing throngs of Canadians who dressed themselves in the colors of the national flag's red and white.

In the capital city of Ottawa, nearly 50,000 people packed the lawn of Parliament Hill to partake in a full day of festivities. Young and old, black and white, people of different ethnic groups merged into a massive crowd of revellers, highlighting the diversity of the multicultural country.

Indeed, multi-culturalism has become one of the most important themes of the annual celebration on July 1, as was underscored by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in his speech this year.

"We are a product of diverse peoples from all corners of the earth, but committed to common values, a country that cherishes freedom, democracy and justice, a country that offers opportunity to all who seek it, a country proud of our past and confident of our future," he said in a short speech.

Canada's aerobatic team "the Snowbirds" fly during Canada Day celebrations on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, capital of Canada, July 1, 2009. Canadian celebrated their country's 142nd birthday on Wednesday. [Xinhua]

A lady in her 50s from Ottawa, who gave her name as Harriet and was wearing a tall, white hat decked with colorful straps, echoed the prime minister.

"I am an ambassador for Canada. I want to spread all the love around to all the world, in a multi-culturalism way," she told Xinhua.

Others stressed the message of peace that Canada has always been sending to the international community.

"The things about Canada that mean most to me is friendliness..., close family and peaceful living," a sergeant of the Royal Mounted Police of Canada (RCMP), whose first name is Daniel, told Xinhua.

The highlights of the day in Ottawa included the ceremony of the Changing of Guard, world-renowned Musical Ride of the RCMP, the Snowbirds aerobatic show and performances by world-class pop stars such as Sarah McLachlan.