What is Victoria Day? Why and when is Victoria Day celebrated? Information about Victoria Day, an important Canadian public holiday.
Victoria Day is a Canadian public holiday celebrated on the last Monday before May 25th. The day commemorates the birthday of Queen Victoria, who was the Queen of the United Kingdom and Ireland from 1837 to 1901. Victoria Day was first celebrated in Canada in 1845, and it was declared a national holiday in 1901, the year of Queen Victoria’s death. Today, Victoria Day is a day off for many Canadians, and it is often marked by parades, fireworks, and other festivities.
History of Victoria Day
Victoria Day has its roots in the British Empire, as it was originally established to celebrate the birthday of Queen Victoria, who was born on May 24, 1819. After her death in 1901, the Canadian government declared May 24th as a national holiday in her honour.
The first Victoria Day celebrations in Canada took place in 1845, and the holiday was known as “Empire Day” at the time. In the early years, the holiday was observed with patriotic parades, sporting events, and fireworks displays. Over time, the holiday became more closely associated with Queen Victoria herself, and the name “Victoria Day” gradually replaced “Empire Day.”
During the reign of Queen Victoria, the British Empire expanded significantly, and Canada was one of the countries that benefited from this expansion. As a result, Victoria Day became an important holiday for Canadians, who saw it as a way to celebrate their connection to the British Empire and to honour their Queen.
Today, Victoria Day remains an important holiday in Canada, although its meaning has evolved over time. While some Canadians still view it as a day to celebrate their British heritage and the monarchy, others see it simply as a day off work to enjoy the warmer weather and the start of summer.
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Provincial and territorial legislation
While Victoria Day is a national holiday in Canada, the specific rules and regulations surrounding the holiday may vary depending on the province or territory. In most provinces and territories, Victoria Day is a statutory holiday, which means that many businesses and government offices will be closed.
In Ontario, Victoria Day is a public holiday under the Employment Standards Act, and most employees are entitled to the day off with pay. In Quebec, the holiday is known as National Patriots’ Day, and it is celebrated on the same day as Victoria Day. In British Columbia, the holiday is officially known as “Victoria Day” and it is celebrated on the same day as the rest of the country.
In some provinces and territories, Victoria Day is not a statutory holiday. For example, in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, the holiday is observed as a civic holiday, but it is not recognized as a statutory holiday under provincial legislation.
It’s important to note that the specific rules and regulations surrounding Victoria Day may change over time, so it’s a good idea to check with your local government or employer to find out how the holiday is observed in your area.
Why do we celebrate Victoria Day?
We celebrate Victoria Day in honor of Queen Victoria’s birthday. Queen Victoria was the Queen of the United Kingdom and Ireland from 1837 to 1901, and she was born on May 24, 1819. After her death in 1901, the Canadian government declared May 24th as a national holiday in her honour.
The holiday was first celebrated in Canada in 1845, and it was known as “Empire Day” at the time. It was observed with patriotic parades, sporting events, and fireworks displays, and over time, it became more closely associated with Queen Victoria herself. As a result, the name “Victoria Day” gradually replaced “Empire Day.”
Today, Victoria Day is an important holiday in Canada, although its meaning has evolved over time. While some Canadians still view it as a day to celebrate their British heritage and the monarchy, others see it simply as a day off work to enjoy the warmer weather and the start of summer.
