Celebrate Victoria Day 2024: The Unique Holiday From Canada

Why is Canada the only country that celebrates Victoria Day?

A provincial celebration that later became a national holiday as Canada unified. Victoria Day honors Queen Victoria’s birthday and plays a crucial role in shaping Canada. While Victoria Day meaning has changed over time, for Canadians, it still marks the arrival of spring and vibrant festivities.

Keep reading to learn more about Victoria Day in Canada in 2024!

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What is Victoria Day in Canada?

Victoria Day, a Canadian public holiday, honors Queen Victoria’s birthday and marks the unofficial start of summer. Celebrations date back to the 17th century when Canadian regions held feasts and military displays to honor the monarch’s birthday. Victoria Day also marks the unofficial start of summer in Canada. Many Canadians participate in outdoor activities like barbecues, parades, and fireworks show. The holiday reflects a blend of historical reverence and modern traditions.

Interestingly, Queen Victoria’s birthday wasn’t always a fixed holiday in Canada. Initially, it was a provincial holiday in 1845, it became a national celebration in 1867 after Canada united. Today, Victoria Day is observed on the Monday before May 25, featuring parades, fireworks, barbecues, and outdoor activities, reflecting both historical significance and modern traditions.

Image by Vecteezy

In the newly united Province of Canada, the government aimed to bring together English and French Canadians. They decided to make Queen Victoria’s birthday a shared public holiday, which everyone could celebrate as one nation. This decision fostered national unity and loyalty to the British Crown, which was seen as a core aspect of Canadian identity, unlike in the United States. The monarchy was even viewed as a protector of minority rights within the colony. In 1845, the Queen’s birthday changed from a military event to a public holiday, making it Canada’s oldest official holiday.

When is Victoria Day Celebrated in 2024?

Victoria Day in 2024 will be celebrated on Monday, May 20th. Originally tied to Queen Victoria’s birthday on May 24th, the holiday now takes place on the Monday before the last one in May, ensuring Canadians enjoy a long weekend.

Why does Victoria Day Fall on Different Dates Each Year?

Victoria Day falls on different dates each year due to a change made in 1952. Initially fixed on May 24th, the date was adjusted in 1952 to the last Monday before May 25th.

This change not only ensures Canadians get to enjoy a long weekend but also marks the start of summer festivities.

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Is Victoria Day a Holiday in Canada?

Yes, Victoria Day is a federal Canadian public holiday. It honors Queen Victoria, who reigned during Canada’s Confederation. Initially a tribute to her birthday, the holiday has evolved into a celebration marking the unofficial start of summer. Canadians nationwide enjoy festivities such as family barbecues, parades, and fireworks

Why Canada Celebrates Victoria Day?

Canada celebrates Victoria Day to honor Queen Victoria’s role in the country’s history. Her support for the Confederation helped unify the provinces under the British Crown, laying the groundwork for modern Canada Queen Victoria reigned for over 63 years, and during that time, she approved the formation of Canada and appointed its first senators.

After the death of Queen Victoria in 1901, the holiday continued in her memory and was later moved to the Monday preceding May 25th.

Today, Victoria Day serves as both a tribute to Queen Victoria and a reflection on Canada’s historical journey.

Victoria Day Traditions and Celebrations Across Canada

Queen Victoria Day marks the start of summer in Canada, a chance to shed winter coats and embrace outdoor fun. It is also marked by local traditions and activities that celebrate Canadian culture and the arrival of summer.

Many communities have fairs with rides, games, and food stalls. There are also historical reenactments and ceremonies to honor Queen Victoria’s legacy.

The holiday weekend is filled with classic Canadian traditions. Dazzling fireworks light up the skies in major cities like Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal. Victoria Day Parades in 2024 will display community spirit through decorated floats and marching bands. Especially the vibrant one in Victoria, British Columbia, the city named after the honored Queen.

In Ottawa, the Canadian Tulip Festival adds a colorful touch when fireworks paint the night sky.

Garden parties are a popular tradition where families and friends come together to enjoy spring flowers. Warmer weather beckons Canadians outdoors for barbecues and picnics, to savor classic Canadian dishes, such as poutine, maple syrup treats, and fresh seafood. Public parks and beaches host outdoor concerts featuring local artists, creating a sense of community.

Canadians also take this long weekend as an opportunity for short trips to cottages or national parks, engaging in activities like hiking, fishing, and boating.

Victoria Day isn’t just a historical event; it’s about community, nature, and the arrival of warmer weather. It reflects Canada’s vibrant and diverse spirit.

Stay Connected During Victoria Day with Yoho Mobile

Victoria Day 2024 is coming up, and staying connected can enhance your celebration in Canada. Whether you’re enjoying fireworks, parades, or exploring new places, Yoho Mobile ensures you stay online without internet outages.

• Capture the Moment: Instantly share your Victoria Day moments with high-speed internet from Yoho Mobile, keeping friends and family updated in real time.
• Find Your Way: Use maps and guides during the festivities with Yoho Mobile’s reliable data plans.
• Stay in Touch: Keep in contact with loved ones easily. With Yoho Mobile eSIM, there’s no need for a physical SIM card—activate your plan instantly.

Make your long weekend memorable with Yoho Mobile‘s Canada eSIM

Bonus: Fun Facts About Victoria Day

Victoria Day history is full of relevant and interesting fun facts:

• Victoria Day is older than Canada itself: Victoria Day was first celebrated in 1845, making it older than Canada itself, which was founded in 1867.
• It Was Almost Named Elizabeth Day: to honor Queen Elizabeth II after her long reign. However, it still celebrates Queen Victoria, and no separate celebration for Elizabeth II exists.
• It’s called the “May Two-Four” weekend: not just because of May 24th but also as a nod to a case of beer, which has 24 bottles.
• Starts the summer for Canadians: many Canadians open their cottages and enjoy outdoor activities.
• It has different names in Quebec: In Quebec, it is known as National Patriots’ Day (Journée nationale des patriotes) in honor of the 1837 rebellion against British rule, rather than Queen Victoria.
• Used to Feature Military Parades: In the early years, Victoria Day was marked by grand military displays and parades to honor Queen Victoria. Over time, it turned into a family-oriented holiday.

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