The Monday immediately before May 25 is observed as the Canadian holiday known as Victoria Day. This day is also referred to as May Two-Four, May Long, and May Long Weekend.
As a result of Victoria Day being recognized as a public holiday in seven provinces and three territories, the general populace is given the day off, and schools and the vast majority of businesses are shut down.
What is Victoria Day?
Every year, on Monday that comes before May 25th, Canadians take the day off to celebrate Victoria Day, also known as Fête de la Reine in French. The federal government recognizes this holiday as a statutory holiday.
The celebration of Victoria Day is the non-religious holiday with the longest history in Canada. It is the anniversary of the birthday of Queen Victoria (1837-1901). After Queen Victoria's passing, the 24th of May was designated by proclamation to be observed as Empire Day throughout the British Empire. Only Canada still observes a holiday on the day today, making it the only country in the world to do so.
What is the History of Victoria Day?
For nearly seventy years, from June 20, 1837, till her death on January 22, 1901, Queen Victoria (May 24, 1819 – January 22, 1901) ruled the United Kingdom and the British Empire.
Victoria's 63 years and seven months as queen were the longest in British history until September 2015, when Queen Elizabeth II surpassed them.
Though she never made it there in person, Queen Victoria was brought up with a wide knowledge of Canada. Prince Edward, the fourth son of King George III, was her father, the Duke of Kent. The royal family spent nearly ten years in Quebec City and Halifax.
Many Canadians open their summer cabins on Victoria Day because it signifies the start of summer. It draws large crowds as the first official celebration of the warmer summer months.
New Brunswick's Days of Rest Act does not recognize Victoria Day as a paid constitutional holiday, even though it is a holiday for all federal employees in Canada.
Many employers will observe the day as vacation and schools will be closed, but Nova Scotia is the sole province or territory that has not declared it a public holiday.
How Do Canadians Celebrate Victoria Day?
Victoria Day is celebrated with parades and fireworks show in several places. Victoria, British Columbia, a city named for the queen, hosts one of the largest and most famous parades annually. Every year, residents of Hamilton and Toronto flock to parks to watch spectacular fireworks displays.
The long Victoria Day weekend is celebrated by many as the unofficial beginning of spring and summer, signaling the conclusion of the long, cold winter. This weekend marks the last chance of frost until fall, giving gardeners the green light to plant tender vegetables and seeds.
Similarly, in the winter, many Americans travel to their vacation homes in warmer climates. Furthermore, this weekend sees the opening of numerous summertime amusement parks and other outdoor attractions. Between Victoria Day and Christmas Day, businesses in Prince Edward Island can open on Sundays.