Victoria Day is a Canadian holiday that commemorates the birthday of the British monarch, Queen Victoria. It originated in 1845 during Queen Victoria’s reign when the Legislative Province of Canada declared May 24, her birthday, a holiday in Canada. Following her death in 1901, the Canadian Parliament established Victoria Day as an official holiday, to be observed on May 24 (or May 25 if May 24 fell on a Sunday). Initially, people also celebrated the birthday of Queen Victoria’s son, Edward VII, consistent with a British tradition of honouring a sovereign’s birthday on that of their predecessor’s. However, Canadians didn’t continue this practice for subsequent monarchs in Canada, such as George V and Edward VIII, who celebrated their birthdays on their actual dates.
In 1952, the first birthday of Queen Elizabeth II as reigning monarch was celebrated in June, even though her birthdate was April 21. Canadians continued to observe Victoria Day, officially moving it to the Monday preceding May 24 in 1952. From then on, Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday was celebrated on Victoria Day, a tradition that was permanently established in 1957.
Why do we celebrate Victoria Day in Canada?
Canada celebrates Victoria Day as a national holiday for several reasons. Firstly, it originally commemorated the birthday of Queen Victoria. After her death in 1901, the government officially designated it as Victoria Day to honour the Queen’s legacy and contributions to the country.
Additionally, the holiday has become informally known as the unofficial start of the summer season in Canada (just like Labour Day marks the end of summer). Many Canadians use the long weekend as an opportunity to kick off outdoor activities and enjoy warmer weather.
Furthermore, since 1952, Victoria Day has also served as the recognized official birthday of the current reigning Canadian monarch. Prior to this, it was customary to celebrate each monarch’s actual birthday, but the tradition shifted to align with Victoria Day starting in 1952. This practice continues today, providing an additional reason for Canadians to celebrate the holiday.
Ten Fun Facts about Victoria Day in Canada
1. Where it is celebrated:
In several jurisdictions across Canada, the government legally acknowledges Victoria Day as a statutory holiday, but this designation is not uniform throughout the country. Specifically, the provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island do not recognize it as a statutory holiday. Newfoundland and Labrador also typically do not recognize it as a statutory holiday, though it is a paid holiday for government employees.
The Québécois also celebrate Victoria Day. However, the concept of commemorating a British monarch is met with resistance by many in the province, where the holiday has another name. Until three years ago, the Québécois called it Fête de Dollard, in honor of Adam Dollard des Ormeaux, a French hero known for leading a force in what is now Montreal against the Iroquois in 1660. This change reflects the cultural and historical sensitivities within Quebec regarding the celebration of British monarchy. In 2003, Quebec renamed Victoria Day National Patriots Day, completely disregarding any reference to the Queen. This change reflects the province’s desire to emphasize its own historical and cultural identity rather than celebrating a British monarch.
2. How about England?
The holiday is indeed a Canadian tradition and people do not widely observe it in most parts of England. However, people celebrate it in certain areas of Scotland, particularly in Edinburgh, where it maintains its status as an official holiday.
3. Queen Victoria as a Child
When Victoria (the future Queen) was a young child, people affectionately called her “Drina.” Despite being born in England, Victoria exclusively spoke German until she reached the age of three.
4. Hemophilia
Victoria was the first Royal Family member who suffered from hemophilia, prompting widespread speculation about her parentage.
5. Youth on the Throne
When Victoria ascended to the throne in 1837 following the passing of William IV, she was very young. She was only 18 years old!
6. The Marriage
In 1840, Victoria married Prince Albert. They had been acquaintances since she was 16 years old. Their marriage was a family affair in more ways than one, as Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha was not only her first cousin, but also the son of her mother’s brother. Due to her position as Queen, Victoria had to propose to Albert, rather than the other way around.
Legend has it that Victoria initiated the tradition of brides wearing white. Prior to her wedding, women typically wore their finest dress, regardless of its color.
7. The Death of Her Husband
After her husband’s passing in December 1861, Victoria withdrew into seclusion and maintained a perpetual state of mourning, exclusively wearing black attire. Rumors circulated suggesting she later wed her Scottish butler, John Brown, although this claim has never been substantiated. Victoria did not return to public life until the early 1870s.
8. Tragic Events
Since she lived for 81 years, which was long for the standards of the day, she experienced some notably tragic events. She outlived three of her children.
9. Assassination Attempts
Victoria endured at least six serious assassination attempts throughout her reign.
In 1840, an 18-year-old named Edward Oxford fired two shots at her carriage in London, but the judges didn’t find him guilty of high treason by reason of insanity.
Two years later, John Francis attempted to shoot at her carriage again, but missed. The court convicted him of treason, but spared the death penalty and sent him to a penal colony instead.
Shortly after, John William Bean fired makeshift ammunition at the Queen, followed by William Hamilton in 1849, described as an ‘angry Irishman’, who fired a pistol at her carriage. Hamilton pleaded guilty and also went into exile to a penal colony.
In 1850, an ex-Army officer, Robert Pate struck her with his cane, claiming insanity, but was convicted and sentenced similarly to Hamilton.
In 1882, Roderick Maclean made another attempt, firing a bullet that missed Victoria. He was deemed insane and confined to an asylum for life. These incidents underscored the risks inherent in Victoria’s long tenure as a monarch.
10. Queen Victoria’s Popularity
In a BBC poll conducted in 2002, Queen Victoria was named the 18th greatest Briton, with Winston Churchill taking the top spot. Ahead of Victoria on the list were figures like Princess Diana (#3), William Shakespeare (#5), and John Lennon (#8). She was followed by Paul McCartney.
Canadians greatly cherish Victoria Day. Many people enjoy a day off from work and school. Festivities often include spectacular firework displays, outdoor gatherings, gardening activities, and camping trips.
Happy Victoria Day! Have a great long weekend!