The June Holiday in Newfoundland and Labrador is a provincial public holiday celebrated on the Monday nearest June 24. It was officially called Discovery Day, though it has evolved in meaning over time.

Table of Contents

1. When is June Day?
2. The History of June Day?
3. What Do People Do on This Day?
4. More about John Cabot

When is June Day?

June Day is celebrated annually on the Monday closest to June 24 in the province Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

The following is the list of June Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of June Day?

The June Holiday in Newfoundland and Labrador, commonly referred to as Discovery Day, has a history tied to the commemoration of John Cabot's landing on the island of Newfoundland on June 24, 1497. Over time, the holiday has evolved, with shifts in focus to broader historical and cultural reflections.

John Cabot, an Italian explorer sailing under the English flag for King Henry VII, set out in 1497 to find a westward route to Asia. On June 24, 1497, Cabot landed on what he called "New Founde Lande", believed to be the present-day island of Newfoundland or Cape Breton. He claimed the land for England.

Cabot's voyage is one of the earliest European expeditions to North America. The landing marked the beginning of England's interest in Newfoundland's abundant resources, particularly its rich fishing grounds.

The June Holiday was introduced to honor Cabot's landing and the historical importance of European exploration in the province's history. It was aligned with June 24, the date associated with Cabot's landing, making it a significant cultural and historical day in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Over time, the June Holiday and its association with John Cabot have undergone significant re-evaluation. The narrative of "discovery" has faced criticism for overshadowing the rich and complex histories of the Indigenous populations who lived on the land long before Cabot's arrival.

The June Holiday remains a public holiday in Newfoundland and Labrador, though its original association with Cabot's landing has diminished in prominence. Instead, it provides a day for reflection on the province's history and cultural heritage, with increasing acknowledgment of the contributions and histories of Indigenous peoples and other communities.

What Do People Do on This Day?

On the June Holiday in Newfoundland and Labrador, people generally treat it as a day of rest and leisure.

For most people, the June Holiday provides a welcome long weekend, allowing time to relax and recharge. Many use the holiday to enjoy a quiet day at home or explore local attractions.

In some communities, small-scale events, such as festivals or cultural gatherings, may take place to celebrate the province's history and heritage.

Residents may visit local museums or heritage sites to learn about Newfoundland and Labrador's history, including its Indigenous and European roots, while some may visit beaches, take walks along the coast or go boating.

Some families and friends often use the holiday for barbecues, meals, or social get-togethers. It's a chance to spend time with loved ones, especially during the summer season.

Educational programs or online resources about Newfoundland and Labrador's history may be shared or highlighted during the holiday.

More about John Cabot

John Cabot was born around 1450 in Genoa, Italy, but later moved to Venice, where he became a citizen in 1476. Living in Venice exposed Cabot to the maritime trade and exploration culture of the city, providing him with skills in navigation, cartography and shipbuilding.

Before his famous voyage, Cabot was involved in trading ventures in the eastern Mediterranean, including travels to the Levant.

In the 1490s, Cabot moved to England, where he convinced King Henry VII to sponsor a westward expedition in search of a shorter route to Asia. Cabot set sail aboard the small ship with a crew of approximately 18 men.

On June 24, 1497, Cabot reached a landmass that he claimed for England. The exact location is debated, but it is widely believed to be in modern-day Newfoundland or Cape Breton Island. He reported finding vast fish stocks and fertile lands, which would later attract European fishing fleets and settlers.

Cabot attempted a second voyage in 1498, likely with multiple ships, to further explore the lands he had discovered. However, records of this expedition are scarce, and it is unclear whether he ever returned.

Cabot's voyage laid the foundation for England's later territorial claims in North America, shaping the geopolitical landscape of the continent.