Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Kick-Starts Canada's 150th Birthday Celebrations Saturday July 01,2017

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau kicked off celebrations on Saturday to mark the country's 150th birthday amid heavy security as many citizens braved incessant rains and long delays to reach the main site in the nation's capital.

About 500,000 people were expected to be in Ottawa for the long-anticipated Canada Day festivities, which features a large outdoor celebration in front of the national Parliament, complete with acrobats, fireworks and musicians, including singer Bono and other members of Irish rock band U2.

Trudeau, accompanied by Britain's Prince Charles, shook hands with some of the thousands of revelers who converged on Canada's capital Ottawa for the festivities.

Saturday July 01,2017 marks the 150th anniversary of the day Canada officially became a country. Britain had ruled it before 1867.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks during the Canada Day noon hour show on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Saturday, July 1, 2017

Prince Charles speaks during the Canada Day noon hour show on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Saturday, July 1, 2017