Sure Sign Summer is Just Around the Corner: May Long Weekend
Young Queen Victoria – Source: commons.wikimedia.org
Queen Victoria was born nearly 200 years ago, and all these years later, we’re still celebrating her birthday! In fact, Canadians have been celebrating Victoria Day since 1845, when the first legislation was passed by the Parliament of the Province of Canada, to set aside May 24 as a day to officially recognize the Queen’s birthday.[1]
Source: express.co.uk
Interesting Facts About Queen Victoria
- Queen Victoria was born in 1819 and died in 1901.
- As a little girl, Queen Victoria’s nickname was “Drina.”
- Victoria was the reigning Queen of England when Canada joined Confederation in 1867.
- Queen Victoria ascended to the throne in 1837, at the age of 18, following the death of her uncle, King William IV.[2]
- Victoria married Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, and as Queen she was required to propose to him!
Victoria Day Fireworks – Source: 680news.com
It’s Party Time – Find a Celebration Near You!
Canadians across the country celebrate Victoria Day with parades, fireworks, and special events. There are so many fun activities planned, we can’t possibly list them all. Here’s a small sampling of what’s happening in communities across Canada!
Regina
Saskatchewan Highland Gathering & Celtic Festival
Saturday, May 19th and Sunday, May 20th, 2018
Follow the link for daily hours and activities
Regina, SK
Canada’s Wonderland
Toronto
Fireworks at Canada’s Wonderland
Sunday, May 20th, 2018
10 p.m.
Canada’s Wonderland
1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive
Vaughn, ON
Victoria Day SpeedFest
Friday, May 18th to Sunday, May 20th, 2018
Follow the link for daily hours and activities
3233 Concession Rd 10
Bowmanville, ON
Vancouver
Victoria Day at Burnaby Village Museum
Monday, May 21st, 2018
11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
6501 Deer Lake Ave
Burnaby BC
Island Farms Victoria Day Parade – Source: timescolonist.com
Victoria
120th Island Farms Victoria Day Parade & Celebration Square
Follow the link for hours and activities
Douglas Street from Finlayson to Humboldt Streets
Victoria, BC
Montréal
Porchfest Notre-Dame-de-Grâce
Saturday, May 19th and Sunday, May 20th, 2018
Follow the link for daily hours and activities
Notre-Dame-de-Grâce
Montréal, QC
Dave Sidaway/Post Media – Source: nationalpost.com
May Long Weekend in Quebec
National Patriots Day or Journée nationale des patriotes is celebrated in Quebec on the same day as Victoria Day. It was established by the Lieutenant Governor of Quebec-in-Council in 2003. The day honours the struggle for national recognition of the people of Quebec, as endured by the patriots of 1837-1838.[3]
Royal Union Flag
While you’re out celebrating Victoria Day, look for the Royal Union Flag, more commonly know as the Union Jack. On Victoria Day, according to Canadian government protocol, this flag is to be flown at all federal government buildings, including crown corporations, military bases, and airports.
The Union Jack was first proclaimed by James I in 1606, when he ascended to the thrones of both England and Scotland. He knew the importance of creating a flag reflecting the crosses of each nation. Then, in 1801, when Ireland joined the United Kingdom, the Cross of St Patrick was added. Take a closer look at the full range of Union Jack products available at The Flag Shop.
So, what does Victoria Day mean to you? If you’re like the rest of us, aside from its rich and interesting history, there’s no denying that Victoria Day also unofficially signals the beginning of summer fun!
Happy Victoria Day!
—
References
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_Day
[2] https:/https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/queen-victoria-dies
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Patriots%27_Day