Heritage Day is a provincial holiday in Nova Scotia, Canada. It was introduced in 2015 to provide a mid-winter break while honoring the province's diverse and rich cultural heritage.

Table of Contents

1. When is Heritage Day?
2. The History of Heritage Day?
3. What Do People Do on This Day?

When is Heritage Day?

Heritage Day in Nova Scotia is celebrated on the third Monday of February each year.

The following is the list of Heritage Day in Nova Scotia from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Heritage Day?

Before 2015, Nova Scotia did not have a February statutory holiday, while many other provinces celebrated Family Day or similar holidays. The idea of creating a holiday in February gained momentum to align Nova Scotia with other provinces and to provide residents with a break during the long winter.

Instead of adopting Family Day, Nova Scotia chose to create a unique holiday emphasizing its historical and cultural heritage. This decision reflected the province's commitment to recognizing the contributions of various communities and figures to its history.

The Nova Scotia government officially passed legislation to establish Heritage Day, selecting the third Monday in February as the date. The inaugural Heritage Day was celebrated on February 16, 2015.

Heritage Day is unique in that each year it highlights a specific individual, event, or theme significant to Nova Scotia's history.

A list of honorees for the first 10 years was developed in consultation with historians, cultural groups, and community leaders. The themes reflect the diversity of Nova Scotia, and the first Heritage Day honored Viola Desmond, an African Nova Scotian civil rights pioneer.

Heritage Day has become an opportunity to educate Nova Scotians about the province's multicultural history, including its Indigenous, African Nova Scotian, and Acadian communities. By focusing on a new honoree each year, the holiday fosters awareness and appreciation of Nova Scotia's complex and inclusive history.

What Do People Do on This Day?

On Heritage Day in Nova Scotia, people engage in various activities to celebrate and reflect on the province's history and culture. Since the holiday honors a different theme or honoree each year, events and activities often align with that year's focus.

Schools, libraries, and community centers host programs and exhibitions to teach about the year's honoree or theme. Families may explore online resources or watch documentaries related to the highlighted individual or event.

Workshops on traditional crafts, storytelling sessions and discussions about Nova Scotia's heritage are organized by local groups.

Many people take the opportunity to visit Nova Scotia's museums, heritage sites, and cultural centers. Traditional music, dance, and theatrical performances are organized to celebrate Nova Scotia's rich cultural traditions.

Families often use the day off to spend time together, whether exploring the outdoors or enjoying a quiet day at home. At the same time, many families take advantage of the holiday for winter activities like skating, sledding, or hiking.