From one of Canada’s gravest disasters, came an enduring friendship between two cities and a touching Christmastime tradition that continues to this day.

The Halifax Explosion occurred during the First World War, in the morning of December 6, 1917. In the Halifax Harbour, the Mont-Blanc collided with another ship, the Imo. Although the collision was not severe, a fire broke out on the Mont-Blanc, which was carrying munitions to be brought overseas.

Halifax was a booming wartime city, and labourers, sailors, merchants, and onlookers soon gathered around the harbor to watch the incident. Sadly, gravity of the situation was unknown to many, and the Mont-Blanc soon exploded, killing 1600 people immediately and injuring 9000 more. The explosion also created a shockwave, damaging buildings, homes, and the city’s infrastructure.

News of the disaster was quick to spread, and communities were eager to provide aid and relief to the city. The city of Boston was one of the first responders, sending medical personnel and supplies within a day. Schools and churches in Boston raised money for the disaster and played a key role in aiding the reconstruction of the city.

Every year since 1971, Nova Scotia sends a Christmas tree to Boston, to thank them for their help during the Halifax Explosion of 1917. The tradition is an important historical reminder and commemoration of the disaster, as well as a celebration of a lasting friendship between Halifax and Boston. In both cities, communities come together (whether cutting down the Christmas tree in Halifax, or lighting it in Boston), to remember their shared past.