History of Victoria Day

[Luba]

This coming Monday Canadians celebrate Victoria Day...so have a great weekend!!

Here is some history on Victoria Day

Victoria Day is the holiday celebrating the birth of Queen Victoria born on May 24th. Canadians celebrate Victoria Day on the Monday before May 25th although Englanders celebrate it in June. Victoria Day became a popular holiday in Ontario (it was then called Canada West) in 1845. Queen Victoria's birthday, May 24th, was declared a holiday by the Legislature of the Province of Canada in 1845. Victoria Day became a national holiday in 1901. During the 1900's, Victoria Day used to be called Empire Day and then changed to Commonwealth Day leading to Victoria Day.

Queen Victoria (r. 1837-1901) was born at Kensington Palace, London on May 24, 1819. She was the only daughter of Edward, Duke of Kent, fourth son of George III. Victoria, who was queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain & Ireland as well as empress of India. She was only 18 when she took over the throne in 1837 after her uncle George IV died. She ruled until her death in 1901. Then her son Edward the VII became King of England.

Historically, after Confederation, Victoria Day was celebrated every year on May 24th unless that date was a Sunday. A proclamation was then issued providing for the celebration of Victoria Day on May 25th. After the death of Queen Victoria in 1901, an Act was passed by Parliament of Canada establishing a legal holiday on May 24th in each year.

Victoria Day also celebrated the birthday of King Edward VII, who was born on November 9, was by yearly proclamation during his reign (1901 - 1910). It was not an innovation to celebrate the birthday of the reigning sovereign on the anniversary of the birth of the predecessor.

Canadians love to celebrate Victoria Day which is traditionally marked with fireworks at a variety of venues across the country. Victoria Day is a time for family and friends to get together; take a boat cruise, plan a picnic in the park, or check out the local celebrations.

Get out and celebrate Victoria Day, Canadians!

[Weiser]

My Victoria day will be spent recouperating after seeing the WORLDS #1 DJ, TIESTO, perform at the docks in Toronto, infront of 6,000+ fans. I can't wait. This show should run until 6-7am. Tickets ran me $75 a peice and there are 5 of us going....WOOOOOOOOOOO!