Victoria Day

Victoria Day Quick Facts - CA

AKA NameMay Two Four
Hashtags#VictoriaDay
Related Hashtags#Longweekend, #Canada, #Yyc
2022 DateMay 23, 2022
2023 DateMay 22, 2023
Victoria Day

Victoria Day History

Victoria Day honours and commemorates the birth of Queen Victoria. Queen Victoria was born on May 24th, 1819 in Britain. She ascended to the throne at the young age of 18. During her reign, she governed the Dominion of Canada until she proclaimed the Confederation of its first 4 provinces in 1867. She selected Ottawa as the national capital. In Canada, Queen Victoria is often referred to as the Mother of the Confederation.

Victoria Day was originally declared a celebration in 1854, making it Canada's oldest state holiday. It was officially proclaimed in 1901 after the queen's death. It is observed annually on the Monday before May 25th.

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Victoria Day Facts & Quotes

  • Between 1840 and 1857, Queen Victoria gave birth to 9 children (4 boys: Edward VII, Alfred, Arthur, and Leopold and 5 girls: Victoria, Alice, Helena, Louise, and Beatrice). Although Victoria was the first-born child of Queen Victoria, it was her younger brother, Prince Albert, who went on to become king following his mother's death in 1901. He succeeded his mother and became King Edward VII.
  • Victoria Day is a statutory federal holiday, but provincial and territorial governments overrule federal statutes in most areas of Canada. There are four provinces in Eastern Canada (QC, NL, NS, NB) where Victoria Day is not recognized.
  • Canadians jokingly refer to Victoria Day as May Two-Four Day. This is an inside joke which refers to a case of beer, containing 24 bottles. For many Canadians, this is the first long weekend they have celebrated since Easter, and many cabins and camps are opened and prepared for the summer season ahead.
  • Being pregnant is an occupational hazard of being a wife. - Queen Victoria
  • She is now no more? Nay, I boldly say she lives — lives in the hearts of her subjects; lives in the pages of history. And as the ages revolve, as her pure profile stands more marked against the horizon of time, the verdict of posterity will ratify the judgment of those who were her subjects. She ennobled mankind; she exalted royalty; the world is better for her life. Sir, the Queen is no more; let us with one heart say, Long live the King! - Sir Wilfred Laurier, Former Prime Minister of Canada

Victoria Day Top Events and Things to Do

  • Watch a fireworks display in your local community or venture to one of the major city centres to watch a more elaborate display. Toronto, Vancouver, and Ottawa all host large firework displays to celebrate the Queen's birthday.
  • Visit a summer home or cottage. Open it for the season and enjoy a BBQ with a few beers on your long weekend.
  • Attend a parade in your local town or city. Most cities host a May Day parade and celebrations typically last throughout the day.
  • Enjoy the long three-day weekend at one of the many private or provincial park sites. Popular activities include fishing and having bonfires.
  • Watch one of many movies about Queen Victoria and the Royal Family. Some of our recommendations: The Young Victoria (2009), starring Emily Blunt, Her Majesty Mrs. Brown (1997), The Queen (2006) and the King's Last Speech (2010)

Victoria Day References and Related Sites

Urban Dictionary: May 2-4
www.cbc.ca: May Long Weekend Facts

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