The public is invited to HMCS Malahat from 9 to 10 a.m. on Jan. 1 at 20 Huron St. in James Bay, to celebrate the new year in a unique Canadian tradition, the levee.
The term “levee,” derived from the French se lever (to rise), represents the practice of rising early on the first day of the new year to pay respect to the monarch or the local governor.
For many years, the levee was attended only by gentlemen and members of the military and other uniformed services. Today, the levee is less formal and more fun.
For over a decade Malahat has hosted its levee on behalf of local ships and naval shore establishments. Typically more than 100 people attend Malahat’s levee.
HMCS Malahat consists of 130 sailors from the Greater Victoria area and is one of the largest of the 24 naval reserve divisions across Canada.