The 2 in 1 Birthday & Holiday: A Brief History of Victoria Day
The 2 in 1 Birthday & Holiday
A Brief History of Victoria Day
We all enjoy having the day off for Victoria Day, but do you know the origins of the May long weekend?
Answer: The day honours Queen Victoria’s birthday on May 24.
So, who is Queen Victoria and why is she important?
Queen Victoria, born in 1819, was part of the British Empire and reigned for over 60 years (1837-1901) — one of the longest in British history, fittingly known as the Victorian era. Under her rule, she championed and advocated for the unification of all Canadian provinces. Victoria played a crucial role in achieving this goal, and in 1867 signed the British North American Act (now known as the Constitution Act) paving the way for Canada’s independence as a country.
Fun Fact
Queen Victoria is often referred to as the “Mother of Confederation” because her efforts metaphorically birthed the Canada we know today.
Establishing Victoria Day
In the 1840s, Canadian Parliament was interested in creating a new public holiday that would help promote common ground between English and French Canadians by transcending religious and cultural differences. Victoria Day encouraged the two groups to foster a shared appreciation for the British monarchy.
The public holiday has been observed since 1845, and officially became Canada’s oldest holiday after federal legislation was passed in 1901, following the death of Queen Victoria. In 1952, Parliament declared that Victoria Day would be celebrated on the Monday before May 24 every year. As a result of this convention, the long weekend can fall well before May 24.
How to Celebrate
Victoria Day has been celebrated with picnics, parades, and fireworks, traditions that have evolved over the years. Today, depending on the province, it can signify the beginning of cottage season and weekend trips, the start of gardening season, or a time for personal wellbeing and relaxation. In Ontario, annual fireworks shows are widespread, with popular locations including Ashbridge’s Bay Park in the east end of Toronto and at Canada’s Wonderland in Vaughan.
Fun Fact
Victoria Day is also known as “May 2-4 (two-four, not twenty-four)”, Canadian slang that refers to both the date and a case of twenty-four beers.
No matter how you decide to spend your May long weekend — relaxing in cottage country, gardening, or enjoying refreshing beverages with friends (maybe a “two-four”) — remember that we have this day off thanks to the iconic Queen Victoria. We also have the privilege of calling Canada home due to her significant contributions in creating this country. After reading this brief history, you can impress your friends and family with your Victoria Day trivia knowledge as you kick back and relax.