Happy Victoria Day 2010!

Victoria Day is a public holiday observed across Canada on the Monday before May 25th. In 2010, Victoria Day falls on Monday, May 24th.

The Sovereign's birthday has been celebrated in Canada since the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901). May 24th, Queen Victoria's birthday, was declared a holiday by the Legislature of the Province of Canada in 1845.

After Confederation, the Queen's birthday was celebrated every year on May 24th unless that date was a Sunday, in which case a proclamation was issued providing for the celebration on May 25th.

An amendment to the Statutes of Canada in 1952 established the celebration of Victoria Day on the Monday preceding May 25th.

From 1953 to 1956, the Queen's birthday was celebrated in Canada on Victoria Day, by proclamation of the Governor General, with Her Majesty's approval. In 1957, Victoria Day was permanently appointed as the Queen's birthday in Canada. In the United Kingdom, the Queen's birthday is celebrated in June.

Victoria Day is always on a Monday, and thus the holiday is part of a long weekend, which is commonly referred to as the Victoria Day Weekend, the May Long Weekend, the May Long, or the May Two-Four (a case of beer there is called a "two-four" and many of these are consumed over the holiday). The weekend is also called the May 24th weekend, although it does not necessarily fall on May 24th.

The Victoria Day Weekend always falls on the weekend before Memorial Day in the U.S.

The Victoria Day Weekend is the first popular weekend for spring / summer travel. Lots of people open up their cottages, plant gardens, or just get away. Expect crowds at resorts and hotels and busy highways. Fireworks displays are common, especially on Monday night.

Found on Flickr: Singing on the Steps of Parliment during the Queen Victoria Day Celebration.

When is Victoria Day?
2010: Monday, May 24th, 2010
2011: Monday, May 23rd, 2011
2012: Monday, May 21st, 2012
2013: Monday, May 20th, 2013
2014: Monday, May 19th, 2014
2015: Monday, May 18th, 2015

From the State of Victoria to our fellow Commonwealth Monarchists across the ocean: Happy Victoria Day!

Thoughts on Victoria Day

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Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today on the occasion of Victoria Day:

"Today, I join Canadians across the country in the official celebration of the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada. On behalf of all citizens I extend our warmest wishes to Her Majesty on this special day.

“Victoria Day is also a time to reflect on the close historical ties Canada enjoys with the United Kingdom and the important role our British heritage has played in shaping our country, including our parliamentary system.

“Our government firmly believes that a shared understanding of Canadian history unites us as citizens. To this end, we have established a Diamond Jubilee committee that will help prepare for national celebrations in 2012 of the historic 60th anniversary of the accession of Her Majesty to the throne as Queen of Canada.

“The tremendous affection that our country and Her Majesty share for one another will be on display when the Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh tour Canada this summer.

"Her Majesty and His Royal Highness will participate in a wide range of exciting activities across five cities and three provinces.

“Again, I join with all Canadians in wishing Her Majesty health and happiness on this Victoria Day and look forward to the royal tour this summer.”

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Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean,
Governor General of Canada, on the occasion of Victoria Day

OTTAWA - On behalf of all Canadians, it gives me great pleasure to offer Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II my best wishes for health and happiness on the occasion of the Canadian celebration of her official birthday, May 24.

This date, chosen in honour of Queen Victoria, born May 24, 1819, perpetuates a tradition that is very dear to us.

Canadians hold Her Majesty in the highest esteem and are eagerly anticipating the visit she is making here this summer with the Duke of Edinburgh.

This will be an opportunity for the entire country to come together to celebrate our history and our close ties with the monarchy.

Canada is proud not only of its relationship with the monarchy but also of its role as an active participant in the Commonwealth of Nations headed by Her Majesty.

So many countries have followed her wonderful example of compassion and generosity.

Her kind words and steadfast leadership inspire nations around the world to continue to pursue and maintain peace, goodwill and international co-operation.

The respect and admiration we feel for Her Majesty this May 24 illustrate the genuine affection and great loyalty our sovereign inspires.