Well before confederation Canada has been celebrating the May Long Weekend, in 1845 the colonial government recognized May 24th as Queen Victoria’s Birthday. Over a century later, we still celebrate Victoria Day on the Monday before May 25th. Not only a celebration of Queen Victoria but also the Canadian Sovereign’s Official Birthday.
The status of the holiday varies across the Canadian Provinces and Territories but everywhere there is a celebration on Victoria Day (or in Quebec, National Patriots’ Day).
Here in BC, as expected, the Provincial Capital is a hub of Victoria Day celebrations, culminating in the Island Farms Victoria Day Parade, today at 9am along Douglas Street. Now in its 118th year, Victoria’s largest parade is a fun-filled day for the whole family, bringing out an annual crowd of 100,000+ and marks the unofficial kick off to summer for Victorians. Visiting Marching Bands perform all around Victoria for the weekend and the annual “Drum-Off” on the Parliament Buildings’ Lawn, is a crowd pleaser.
In New Westminster, the Ancient and Honourable Hyack Anvil Salute at Queen’s Park starting at 1130, has been taking place for 146 years. The 21-Anvil salute was started in the early days of the Colony of British Columbia by the local fire department. With no cannons available to perform a traditional 21-gun salute, the “Hyacks” as they were known, improvises by placing gunpowder between two anvils creating a tradition for the ages.
We’ll be there rain or shine. Join us Queen’s Park Stadium, May 23 11:30-12:30, Victoria Day Anvil Salute #newwest pic.twitter.com/20reiq0q7P
— Hyack Anvil Battery (@Anvilbattery) May 22, 2016
Whether you take in any local activities, spend your Victoria Day with family and friends, or have to work on today, I hope you enjoy a great day and look forward to the summer ahead!