Victoria Day
Curtsey for the reigning queen of style and grace! This iconic monarch ruled with an iron fist and a loving heart. So raise a cup of tea and toast to the one and only Queen Victoria.
Celebrating the birthday of the British sovereign, Victoria Day offers Canadians a chance to commemorate the birth of Queen Victoria who reigned as the British monarch for an impressive 63 years!
How to Celebrate Victoria Day
It’s fun to celebrate and enjoy Victoria Day, this important Canadian national holiday, in a variety of ways, including some of these:
Attend a Victoria Day Event
Those who are living in Canada or other places that honor this day can celebrate Victoria Day by participating in community activities.
This might include attending parades, family festivities, fireworks, and more. Many times, Victoria Day festivities will be broadcast on television so that people at home can still enjoy watching the festivities.
Celebrate at Home
Families who want to celebrate Victoria Day at home might choose to host an event with friends and neighbors in attendance.
Decorate with Canadian and British flags to show respect for the two countries. Host a barbecue with food and perhaps a campfire for roasting marshmallows. Light some sparklers in the evening as the sun begins to go down.
Watch a Film or Show About Queen Victoria
In celebration of Victoria Day, check out one of these movies or shows that are based on the life and reign of the queen:
- Victoria the Great (1937) This biographical film focuses on Victoria’s early reign and marriage to Prince Albert.
- The Young Victoria (2009). Starring Emily Blunt, this film also features Victoria and Albert’s early years.
- Victoria & Abdul (2017). Dame Judi Dench tells of a real-life relationship between Victoria and her Indian Muslim servant in her later years.
History of Victoria Day
For more than 150 years, since 1845, the birthday of Queen Victoria has been considered a national holiday in the country of Canada. Victoria reigned as the British sovereign from 1837 to 1901, which means she was the queen at the important time when the Dominion of Canada became its own nation in 1867.
After the death of Queen Victoria in 1901, Canadian Parliament established Victoria Day as a legal holiday throughout the country.
While Queen Victoria’s actual birthday was on May 24,1819, the decision was made in 1952 to always celebrate the holiday on a Monday, whichever one falls before May 25. This allows Canadians to attach their holiday to the weekend to take full advantage of the opportunity to travel or visit with family.
The sovereign leaders who followed Queen Victoria had different traditions for this celebration. The birthday of Victoria’s son, Edward VII, was also celebrated on Victoria Day, but the next three kings (George V, Edward VIII, and George VI) were not.
When Queen Elizabeth II was crowned in 1952, her first birthday as queen and every subsequent one until her death in 2022, was celebrated on Victoria Day. This nod to her great-great grandmother became the tradition, even though Elizabeth’s actual birthday was on April 21.
Victoria Day offers Canadians and others around the world the opportunity to show respect for and honor to the British monarch who wears the crown!
Victoria Day FAQs
Why is Victoria Day called the “May Two-Four” weekend in Canada?
In Canada, Victoria Day is often referred to as the “May Two-Four” weekend.
This nickname serves as a double entendre, referencing both the date around which the holiday falls (May 24) and the Canadian slang for a case of twenty-four beers, commonly called a “two-four.”
This term highlights the holiday’s association with leisure activities, such as outdoor gatherings and the beginning of summer festivities.
How did the Hyack Anvil Battery Salute become a Victoria Day tradition in New Westminster?
In New Westminster, British Columbia, the Hyack Anvil Battery Salute is a unique Victoria Day tradition.
Dating back to colonial times, this practice emerged as a substitute for a 21-gun salute.
Lacking cannons, early settlers placed gunpowder between two anvils, igniting it to launch the top anvil into the air with a loud blast.
This inventive celebration continues today, showcasing the community’s historical resourcefulness.
Is Victoria Day celebrated outside of Canada?
While Victoria Day is predominantly a Canadian holiday, certain regions outside Canada also observe it.
For instance, parts of Scotland, especially Edinburgh, recognize Victoria Day as an official holiday. However, in most of England, it is not commonly celebrated.
What is the significance of the Maypole dance during Victoria Day celebrations?
In some Canadian communities, particularly in New Westminster, British Columbia, Maypole dances are part of Victoria Day festivities.
This tradition involves dancers weaving ribbons around a pole, symbolizing the arrival of spring and fostering community spirit.
The practice reflects cultural influences from European May Day celebrations, adapted to honor Queen Victoria’s legacy.
Did Queen Victoria have a personal connection to Canada?
Queen Victoria never visited Canada during her reign. However, she played a significant role in Canadian history by selecting Ottawa as the capital in 1857.
Her decision aimed to resolve regional disputes and promote unity within the country. This choice has had a lasting impact on Canada’s national identity.
How did the tradition of fireworks on Victoria Day originate?
The tradition of fireworks on Victoria Day dates back to the 19th century.
Early celebrations included illuminations and fireworks to honor Queen Victoria’s birthday.
This practice has evolved into a nationwide custom, with many communities hosting fireworks displays to mark the holiday.
Are there any myths associated with Queen Victoria that influence Victoria Day celebrations?
One common myth is that Queen Victoria was a strict and humorless monarch.
In reality, she had a keen sense of humor and enjoyed entertainment. Understanding her true character adds depth to the celebrations, highlighting her multifaceted personality beyond the traditional image.
What role did Queen Victoria play in the establishment of national parks in Canada?
Queen Victoria granted royal assent to the Act establishing Canada’s first national park, Banff National Park, in 1887.
This act demonstrated her support for preserving natural landscapes, laying the foundation for Canada’s extensive national parks system.
How do modern Canadians typically celebrate Victoria Day?
Today, Canadians celebrate Victoria Day as the unofficial start of summer.
Activities include opening cottages, gardening, and hosting barbecues. The holiday also features parades, fireworks, and various outdoor events, reflecting both historical traditions and contemporary leisure practices.
Has Victoria Day always been celebrated on the same date?
Originally, Victoria Day was celebrated on Queen Victoria’s actual birthday, May 24.
In 1952, the Canadian government moved the observance to the Monday preceding May 25 to create a long weekend. This change aimed to provide Canadians with a consistent holiday period each year.
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