Victoria Day (Canada)

by Melissa

(Monday before May 25) The Sovereign’s birthday has been celebrated in Canada since the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901). May 24, Queen Victoria’s birthday, was declared a holiday by the Legislature of the Province of Canada in 1845. After the death of Queen Victoria in 1901, an Act was passed by the Parliament of Canada establishing a legal holiday on May 24 in each year (or May 25 if May 24 fell on a Sunday) under the name Victoria Day.  An amendment to the Statutes of Canada in 1952 established the celebration of Victoria Day on the Monday preceding May 25.  Other former sovereigns’ birthdays are honored on this day as well.  For more info, see this Government of Canada page.  Although the concept of a king (or queen) was anathema in democratic ancient Athens, it is important today to honor ones leaders and their roles in maintaining an orderly and law-abiding community.  This is mostly a day of celebration, however, involving picnics with family and friends and fireworks in the evening.  Use fireworks safely.