Victoria Day in Canada is celebrated on Monday, the day before May 25th which is on May 23rd this year. It's the arrival of the summer warmer season, greener days to the Canadians which more likely signifies an Independence Day in the U.S, that is the Victoria Day. This day is marked as the birthday of Queen Victoria which is joyously celebrated with gatherings and fireworks.
Victoria Day is significantly Canada’s oldest non-religious holiday and still, Canada is the only country that has a holiday on this day. This day is considered a public holiday in 3 territories and 7 provinces where most businesses, schools, and universities are closed with a day off to the general public.
VICTORIA DAY HISTORY
Queen Victoria whose birth and death date goes as on from May 24th 1819 - to January 22nd 1901, was a significant ruler of the United Kingdom and the British Empire from June 20th 1837 until her demise in 1901. Queen Victoria set a record for a British monarch by reigning for over 63 years and 7 months which was only beaten by Queen Elizabeth II in September 2015. The sovereign’s official birthday was/is still celebrated often on the King’s or Queen’s actual birthday. In 1958, Empire Day became Commonwealth Day which was moved to the second Monday in March and the Monday before May 25th then became significant as Victoria Day, which is also a Canadian holiday.
SIGNIFICANCE
NATION BLOOM:
The Canadian Government earlier (1845) designated May 25th as a day of celebration from border to border.
INDEPENDENCE FOR CANADA:
(1867) As the reigning royal Queen Victoria, Britain granted Canada its national independence.
POSTHUMUS CELEBRATIONS:
(1901) the day Queen Victoria died and Canada establishes Victoria Day as an official national holiday.
PARADES PROHIBITED ON SUNDAYS:
In (1952) due to Queen Victoria’s religious beliefs, Canada shifted Victoria Day to occur on the Monday before May 25th to avoid celebrations on Sundays.
WHAT PEOPLE DO ON VICTORIA DAY
- People usually tour a victorian home on this Victoria Day.
- Public attends a parade for sure to celebrate the significance of Victoria Day.
- Play a cricket game which is one of the most popular activities on this particular day under the summer sun sports day.
FACTS ABOUT QUEEN VICTORIA
- Victoria and her husband Albert had 9 children.
- Alexandrina Victoria of England was crowned Queen at a very young age of 18.
- Queen Victoria was the first one to test the pain minimising effects of chloroform during childbirth.
- Victoria had been the longest-reigning royal Queen at 60 years at the time of her death.
- Queen Victoria is the person behind making the white wedding dress a popular choice for western brides.