Victoria Day

Victoria Day stands as one of Canada's oldest and most distinctive patriotic holidays, commemorating the birthday of Queen Victoria, who ruled the British Empire from 1837 to 1901. The tradition began during Queen Victoria's reign, when she became a beloved figure in Canadian history as the "Mother of Confederation," presiding over Canada's transformation into a nation in 1867.

First celebrated in 1845, the holiday was officially recognized by the Canadian Parliament in 1901, the year of Victoria's death. Today, it marks the unofficial start of summer for many Canadians and is often playfully nicknamed "May Two-Four," referencing both its timing around May 24th (Victoria's actual birthday) and the Canadian slang for a case of twenty-four beers, reflecting its popular role in launching the summer social season.

Modern celebrations typically feature impressive fireworks displays in major cities, with communities organizing parades, outdoor festivals, and garden parties. Many Canadians use the long weekend for their first camping trip of the year or to open their summer cottages, despite the sometimes unpredictable spring weather. In Quebec, the holiday is more commonly known as the National Patriots' Day, focusing on the province's historical patriot movement.

While other Commonwealth nations have moved away from celebrating Queen Victoria's birthday, Canada maintains this unique tradition, simultaneously honoring its British heritage while embracing a distinctly Canadian way of celebration. The holiday also now serves as the official Canadian celebration of the current British monarch's birthday, although King Charles III's actual birthday falls on a different date.

Interestingly, the holiday has evolved from its formal, ceremonial origins into a cherished marker of seasonal change, much like how Memorial Day serves as summer's unofficial start in the United States. Victoria Day celebrations often include historical reenactments at sites like Fort York in Toronto, where period-costumed interpreters help bring the Victorian era to life for modern audiences.