Mayor Maja Tait will host a New Year’s Day levée at Sooke Municipal Hall on Jan. 1.
The levée is returning after a one-year hiatus, but it is a tradition dating back many years in Sooke.
“It’s very traditional, and it’s a nice way to start off the new year,” Tait said.
Levées date back to 16th century France. Over the years the levée has become almost solely a Canadian observance.
Today, levées are the receptions (usually, but not necessarily, on New Year’s Day) held by the governor general, the lieutenant governors of the provinces, the military and others, to mark the start of another year and to provide an opportunity for the public to pay their respects.
The Sooke levée includes a meet and greet. Light refreshments will be served.