Canadian Stat Holidays: Happy Victoria Day!

[Jimmy Seddon]

Happy Monday Everyone!

For those that aren’t aware today is a statutory holiday in Canada.  The official name is “Victoria Day”, however if you ask a number of people (especially those of the younger generations) they will tell you that it’s “May 2-4”. 

How did it get this nickname?  It’s generally the first long weekend in warmer weather (though in recent history it’s been a weekend full or rain), so people see it as a great opportunity to get together and have some drinks with friends.  It’s also a sanctioned weekend to legally ignite personal fireworks.

So, let’s talk a little more about where this holiday came from and why it’s something that is celebrated in the first place.  While the nickname refers to a 24 pack of beer it also refers to the fact that the holiday should fall on the May 24th.  I think to provide consistency for businesses it’s always the last Monday in May that takes place on or before May 24th.

Victoria Day originally started as a celebration of Queen Victoria’s birthday, but as since been generalize to recognition of the current monarch’s birthday.  Canada is the only country that commemorates Queen Victoria with an official holiday.

But wait, why would Canada be celebrating the birthday of a British Queen you ask?  Another fun fact you may or may not know, unlike our neighbours to the south the USA, Canada never fought for it’s independent freedom from the British monarchy, and to this day is still officially “The Dominion of Canada” and still a member of the British Commonwealth.

I hope you all have a wonderful week and enjoyed a little bit of trivia today!