Victoria Day is a federal public holiday celebrated across most of Canada. It honors Queen Victoria's birthday and marks the unofficial start of summer in the country.

Table of Contents

1. When is Victoria Day?
2. The History of Victoria Day?
3. What Do People Do on This Day?
4. More about Queen Victoria

When is Victoria Day?

Victoria Day is celebrated annually in Canada on the Monday preceding May 25. This ensures that the holiday always creates a long weekend in May.

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

The History of Victoria Day?

Victoria Day is one of Canada's oldest public holidays, celebrating the birthday of Queen Victoria and marking Canada's historical ties to the British monarchy. Over time, it has evolved into a broader celebration of Canada's royal heritage and the unofficial start of summer.

Queen Victoria, the monarch of the United Kingdom, was born on May 24, 1819. She reigned from 1837 to 1901, making her the longest-reigning British monarch until surpassed by Queen Elizabeth II.

In 1845, before Canadian Confederation, the colonial government of the Province of Canada declared May 24 a public holiday to honor Queen Victoria's birthday.

Queen Victoria played a pivotal role in Canada's history as the reigning monarch when Canada became a self-governing country through the British North America Act. She supported Canada's nation-building efforts, earning a special place in Canadian history.

When Queen Victoria passed away on January 22, 1901, the Canadian government decided to retain May 24 as a public holiday in her honor. The day was officially named Victoria Day to commemorate her life and contributions.

In 1952, the Canadian government decided to observe Victoria Day on the Monday preceding May 25 to ensure a long weekend. This change allowed the holiday to accommodate modern work schedules while maintaining its historical significance.

Victoria Day now also marks the official celebration of the reigning monarch's birthday in Canada. While Queen Elizabeth II's actual birthday was April 21, her official birthday was observed on Victoria Day in Canada, a tradition that continues with King Charles III.

What Do People Do on This Day?

On Victoria Day, Canadians engage in a variety of activities to celebrate the holiday. The specific traditions and events vary across the country, but the day is widely enjoyed as a time for relaxation, outdoor activities and community gatherings.

Fireworks are a hallmark of Victoria Day, with public displays organized in cities and towns. Major cities like Toronto, Ottawa and Vancouver host large, professional fireworks shows that attract thousands of spectators. Many families and neighbors gather for smaller, private fireworks displays in parks or backyards.

Some communities hold parades featuring marching bands, floats decorated with royal and seasonal themes and performers and historical reenactments honoring Queen Victoria.

Victoria Day weekend is known as the unofficial start of the gardening season. Many people plant flowers, vegetables and prepare their gardens for summer. The holiday is also a popular time for outdoor sports like baseball, soccer or hiking.

Museums and cultural centers may offer special exhibits or programs related to Queen Victoria and Canadian history. As a statutory holiday in most provinces, many Canadians use the long weekend to relax and unwind.

More about Queen Victoria

Queen Victoria (1819–1901) was one of the most influential monarchs in British history. Her reign, known as the Victorian Era, lasted for 63 years and 216 days, making her the longest-reigning British monarch until surpassed by Queen Elizabeth II in 2015.

She is remembered for her impact on the British Empire, her dedication to family life, and her enduring legacy in shaping the modern constitutional monarchy.

Queen Victoria's full name is Alexandrina Victoria, and she was born on May 24, 1819, at Kensington Palace, London. Her father is Prince Edward, Duke of Kent (fourth son of King George III), and her mother is Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld.

She was raised in a strict and sheltered environment known as the Kensington System to prepare her for her future role. She became the Queen on June 20, 1837, at the age of 18, following the death of her uncle, King William IV, and her coronation was on June 28, 1838.

She married her cousin, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, on February 10, 1840. The couple had nine children, who married into royal families across Europe, earning her the nickname "the grandmother of Europe".

During her reign, the empire expanded to its height, covering about 25% of the world's population and land area. Victoria's reign saw the evolution of the United Kingdom into a modern constitutional monarchy.

She died on January 22, 1901, at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight.