Victory Day: May 18
Victory Day is celebrated as a public holiday in Canada.
Victoria day in Canada is a statutory holiday and is celebrated on the Monday before or on the 24th of May in honour of the birthdays of Queen Victoria and the reigning sovereign. Victoria Day is widely celebrated across the country in various celebration forms and formally marks the beginning of summer. The Birthday of the monarch was a day of celebration long before the federation. The parliament of the province of Canada created a legislation in 1834 recognising the 24th of May as the queens birthday. It was noted that on this same day in 1854 was the 35th birthday of Queen Victoria.
Victoria Day History
Following the death of Queen Victoria in 1901, 24th of May was declared Empire Day, and the reigning sovereigns celebrated their birthdays on various dates. The governor general in council moved Empire Day to the Monday before 24th May in 1952 then the following year it became Commonwealth Day which he then moved to the 2nd Monday in March, leaving 24th May to remain solely as Victoria Day.
Victoria Day Traditions and Activities
Official protocol on Victoria Day dictates that the Royal Union flag must be flown from sunrise to sunset on all federal buildings, airports, military bases and any crown owned property throughout the country. Several cities hold parades, Victoria being the most prominent. Other celebrations consist of evening firework displays and as this is a long weekend many Canadians head for the parks and beaches to have a day relaxing from work and school.
Other interesting posts:
- Thanksgiving Day in Canada
- Canada Day
- Canada Observes Remembrance Day
- Civic Holiday in Canada
- Canada Parades on Labour Day
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