Victoria Day is celebrated on the Monday before May 25th in honor of Queen Victoria’s birthday.
Also known as the Queen’s Birthday, this holiday has been a part of Canadian culture since 1901. It is a public holiday in most provinces and territories, with many businesses and schools closed for the day.
Let’s dive deeper into the history and traditions surrounding this important holiday, as well as how Canadians celebrate it.
History of Victoria Day
Victoria Day was originally established in honor of Queen Victoria’s birthday on May 24th, 1819. It was a popular holiday in the British Empire, and many celebrations, such as parades and fireworks, were held in her honor.
After Queen Victoria passed away in 1901, the Canadian government declared Victoria Day a national holiday in her memory. This was also seen as a way to strengthen ties with the British monarchy and show loyalty to the Crown.
However, in recent years, the holiday has been seen more as a celebration of the beginning of summer, rather than its historical significance.
Traditions of Victoria Day
As mentioned earlier, parades and fireworks are popular ways to celebrate Victoria Day. Many cities and towns across Canada hold these events, with some even including a military parade. Some areas also have a tradition of lighting bonfires to celebrate the holiday.
Another popular activity on Victoria Day is attending a Canadian National Hockey League (NHL) game. This tradition started in 1939 when the Montreal Canadiens played the Toronto Maple Leafs on Victoria Day, and has continued ever since.
Others choose to celebrate with a picnic or barbecue. It is common for families and friends to come together and enjoy good food, drinks, and company on this holiday.
How to Celebrate Victoria Day
If you are ever in Canada during Victoria Day, here are some fun and unique ways to celebrate:
- Attend a parade or fireworks show.
- Watch a live NHL game.
- Enjoy a picnic or barbecue with friends and family.
- Light a bonfire on the beach or in your backyard.
- Take a trip to Victoria, British Columbia, named after Queen Victoria.
- Dress in red and white (Canada’s national colors) to show your pride and support.
Conclusion
Victoria Day is a national holiday in Canada that celebrates both the birthday of Queen Victoria and the beginning of summer. It is a day for Canadians to come together and enjoy various activities and traditions, while also honoring their country’s history and ties to the British monarchy.
So, whether you’re a Canadian or just a visitor, take some time to celebrate Victoria Day and enjoy all that this wonderful holiday has to offer!
Victoria Day is a public holiday in most provinces and territories in Canada. It has been celebrated since 1901 in honor of Queen Victoria’s birthday. Originally a day to honor the British monarch, it is now seen more as the start of summer. Parades, fireworks, picnics, and hockey games are just some of the ways Canadians celebrate this holiday. It is common to see people dressed in red and white, Canada’s national colors, on Victoria Day. 
