Every year in Canada, Victoria Day is celebrated with great zeal. In celebration of the confederation, the country celebrates Queen Victoria’s Day. On the other hand, for some residents, this is the season for the beginning of the summer. On May 20, 2024, Victoria Day was observed as a public holiday. It is recognised in seven territories and three provinces of the country.
If you’re wondering when Victoria’s Day long weekend will be recognised, keep reading! You’ll get detailed information about the event, including when and why it is held and what it comprises.
History of Victoria Day
Queen Victoria was born on May 24, 1819, and was the second longest-reigning monarch of the British Royal Family. She was 5th in line for the throne, but after her father’s and uncle’s death, she was crowned as the Queen of England at the age of 18. She reigned for little more than 63 years. During her rule, the British Empire expanded dramatically. Queen Victoria’s father had spent a significant time in Halifax and the city of Quebec, so she grew up listening to Canadian tales.
Victoria Day celebration started in 1845, as declared by the Legislature of the Province of Canada. After her death, the date was designated as Empire Day. Her birthday was celebrated on the birthday of the reigning monarch. However, in 1952, Empire Day was shifted to May 25th. Queen Victoria’s birthday is celebrated on the 24th of May every year. If May 24th falls on a Sunday any year, Victoria Day celebrations are then held on the following Monday.
Victoria Day marks one of the first summer festivals in Canada. This is the time when students are relieved of schools and colleges. Many families use this holiday as an excuse to visit their summer cabins for the season.
What is Victoria’s Day?
Victoria Day is a statutory Canadian national holiday held every year on the Monday preceding May 25th. In the year 1845, Victoria Day in Canada was declared a public holiday by the Canadian government. Later, in 1901, it was officially decided to make it a statutory holiday. Canadians celebrate this holiday as the earliest non-religious holiday.
The holiday marks the end of winter and the beginning of summer. Victoria Day long weekend is filled with fun, festivities, and leisure.
In some regions of Canada, the occasion is known as ‘May Two-Four’. A term that relates to both the event’s date, May 24th, and Canadian terminology for just a pack of twenty-four beers (‘two-four’), a popular drink during the weekend getaway!
Back to the Victorian day
In her 63-year reign, Queen Victoria governed the United Kingdom and the British Empire. Later, in 2015, her milestone was broken by Queen Elizabeth II. Canadians continued to celebrate Queen Victoria’s birthday even after her death as a sign of confederation relations. At the time, the British Empire opted to continue celebrating her birthday by establishing May 24th as Empire Day. Today, Canadian citizens also celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday. Although she never visited Canada, Queen Victoria grew up knowing about it. Her father, the Duke of Kent, resided in Quebec City and Halifax for a decade.
Furthermore, Victoria Day is celebrated in all the provinces of Canada except Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island. These provinces consider Victoria Day to be a general holiday, not a statutory one. Moreover, these provinces lie near the sea and don’t want their business to get hampered.
How Did Citizens of Canada Celebrates the Queen?
Victoria Day celebrations have been put on hold since the pandemic started. After two years, it’s safe to say we’ve got some sunny days ahead of us! On the occasion of Victoria Day, you can do plenty of things, like get together with family and friends, attend dance and music festivals, enjoy fireworks, and visit amusement parks, among a few!
Here are some of the best examples of how different provinces celebrated Victoria Day in Canada this year.
- Toronto: After a gap of two years, the City of Toronto reintroduced fireworks at Ashbridges Bay Park on Victoria Day. The 2022 Victoria Day long weekend fireworks were held on May 23rd, in the evening. People enjoyed the fireworks and performances as well as spending quality time with their family and friends.
- Quebec: A parade was held and included a marching band, musicals, festive clowns, etc. The whole day was packed with live music, indoor and outdoor games, and sports activities.
- Vancouver: At Mavis Avenue, an event was held under the title ‘Brewhalla Beer & Music Festival.’ Where people celebrated Victoria Day with live music, craft breweries, local food vendors, and drinks. Moreover, approximately 25 breweries and food vendors were present on the day to keep people hydrated.
- British Columbia: On Victoria Day, at Garry Point Park, Richmond, a huge crowd was present. People enjoyed the best view of the sunset. Moreover, this area consists of numerous spots, such as a wide-open park, where you can play around the lake, walk barefoot, set up a BBQ stall, and go fishing.
Provinces/Territory Celebrating Victoria Day
Victoria Day is also known as May Two-Four, May Long, or May Long Weekend in Canada. It is a national holiday celebrated on the Monday before May 25th. The table consists of information on provinces and territories celebrating Victoria Day.
|
Province/Territory |
Status |
Comments |
| Alberta | Provincial Statutory Holiday | All government departments will remain closed. |
| British Columbia | ||
| Manitoba | ||
| Newfoundland and Labrador | ||
| Ontario | ||
| Prince Edward Island | ||
| Saskatchewan | ||
| Northwest Territories | Territorial Statutory Holiday | All government departments will remain closed. |
| Nunavut | ||
| Yukon | ||
| New Brunswick | Day of Rest | Without paid weekend. All government offices will be closed. |
| Nova scotia | Not a Statutory Holiday | Victoria Day may be designated as a paid holiday by a company. There isn’t a set day for retailers to close. |
| Quebec | Provincial Statutory Holiday | Celebrated as National Patriots’ Day |
Things To Do on Victoria’s Day
There is a lot to do during the Victoria Day long weekend. Some of the Canadian favourites are mentioned below.
- Wonderland: Canada’s paradise – Wonderland, offering a range of exciting rides for adults and children alike. On this day, they also put up a large fireworks display.
- Visit Historic Site: Many people decide to visit historic sites, but unfortunately, due to busy schedules, they do not have the time. There are numerous historical sites you can visit on this day, including the Gibson House, Scarborough Museum, and Fort York, to name just a few.
- Get together with family: It is a great day to enjoy time with relatives and friends by playing games, dancing, taking short trips, and, of course, watching fireworks.
- Enjoy street food: On this day, some of the best street food vendors provide free early summer food with special discounts. For example, cuisine events were held at the Street Eats Market this year at 500 Progress Ave., Toronto. The festival is Canada’s largest springboard for new independent street food retailers.
Interesting facts
Victoria Day is referred to as May Two-Four or the May Long Weekend. Barbecues, outings, and camping are common outdoor activities among Canadians during this season. Many organisations and educational institutions remain closed on this day.
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- The holiday has been observed in Canada since at least 1845.
- It was previously known as Queen’s Birthday but was changed to Victoria Day in 1953.
- Victoria Day is also a day to commemorate the bravery of Canadian veterans.
- It is said that Queen Victoria introduced the tradition of ladies marrying in white bridal gowns.
- Victoria Day is marked by a 21-gun salute at noon across every provincial capital and in Ottawa, the national capital.
In a Nutshell
Canada is the most loved nation globally, with people coming from all over the world to live, study, or start businesses. After a traditionally frigid and quiet winter in Canada, this holiday falls at the end of the school year. Victoria Day long weekend is the perfect way for Canadians to enjoy a long weekend at home!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
No, it is not celebrated in England. It is a Canadian day holiday.
In 1901, after the death of Victoria then the Canadian government passed an act for this day by stating it as a national holiday; celebrated on May 24.
Every year on May 24, Queen Victoria's birthday is celebrated.
Yes, on this day, a fair is celebrated in Canada.
The day is usually marked in most cities with parades, outdoor events, and activities like camping and fireworks displays.
Canada and Scotland are two countries that celebrate victoria day to honor Queen's birthday. Is it Victoria Day in England?
Why do we celebrate Victoria's Day?
What is special about Victoria Day in Canada?
Is Victoria Day a fair celebrated in Canada?
How is Canada Day celebrated?
Name the countries which celebrate Victoria's Day.
