Discovery Day (Newfoundland and Labrador)

Discovery Day Facts & Quotes

• Although John Cabot claimed the land for England, his name was actually Giovanni Cabotto and he was born in Italy.
• Upon discovery of the land, Cabot named it New-found-land after realizing that the had not reached Asia.
• Today, residents of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador speak a very unique dialect of English called Newfinese. This dialect stems from island isolation and the interaction between French, Irish and English that was brought with European settlers.
• Very often, human beings are living like on autopilot, reacting automatically with what happens. What interests me about the life of an explore is you are in the unknown; you are out of your habits. - Bertrand Piccard, First man to go around the globe in a hot air balloon
• You can never cross the ocean until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore - Christopher Columbus

Discovery Day Top Events and Things to Do

• Set out on your own explorer adventure by either traveling to a new country or exploring an unknown destination nearby.
• Read The Race to the New World by Douglas Hunter to learn more about John Cabot and Christopher Columbus.
• Try some Newfoundland culinary delicacies such as Tinned Cream, Fish 'n' brewis (cod, bread and pork fat) or Jiggs' Dinner (corned beef and cabbage with a twist).
• Listen to Newfoundland music, a rich mixture of Irish, English and Cornish traditions. Popular artists from Newfoundland and Labrador include Great Big Sea, Shanneyganock and The Irish Descendants.
• Visit Bonavista, Newfoundland, the supposed landing site of John Cabot. The picturesque coastal town is surrounded by cliffs, icebergs, scenery and a lighthouse. The town also has a full-size floating replica of Cabot's ship The Matthew.

Discovery Day References and Related Sites