The Nova Scotia government announced today that a candlelight procession and interfaith memorial service are planned to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic in April.

An evening procession and presentation will be held April 14 while the memorial service is set for April 15, both in Halifax.

"This April, Nova Scotia will welcome people from around the world, who are fascinated by the Titanic story," said Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Percy Paris in a statement released Thursday.

"Our Maritime heritage and culture make us uniquely able to mark this historic, solemn occasion, and tell the world about our important role in the tragic story."

People will be invited to take part in a candlelight procession along the waterfront to Grand Parade, beginning at 8:30 p.m. April 14.

The government says some of the city's Titanic-related landmarks will be acknowledged along the route.

After a series of interpretative presentations and live performances are held at Grand Parade, a moment of silence will mark the moment when the Titanic began to sink in the North Atlantic.

Flares will be set off to symbolize the ship's call for help while Halifax churches will ring their bells and ships in the harbour will sound their horns.

"I encourage HRM residents to attend the commemorative events. We are forever linked to the Titanic and what happened on that terrible night," said Mayor Peter Kelly. "By paying solemn tribute to those who lost their lives, we are also honouring the men and women of our own community who did not hesitate to answer the call for assistance."

An interfaith memorial service, which will include wreath-laying and musical performances, will take place at the Fairview Lawn Cemetery at 3 p.m. April 15.

More than 120 victims of the Titanic disaster are buried at the cemetery.

"It is our hope that these events will bring Halifax, Nova Scotia and Canada together to honour the sinking of Titanic, 100 years after the ill-fated voyage," said Ken Pinto, executive director of Titanic 100. "Everyone is welcomed to take part as we embrace our province's place in the Titanic's history."

More than 1,500 of the 2,223 passengers died when the luxury liner struck an iceberg south of the Grand Banks of Newfoundland and sank in April 1912.