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Victoria Day

noun

  1. (in Canada) the first Monday preceding May 25, observed as a national holiday.


Victoria Day

noun

  1. the Monday preceding May 24: observed in Canada as a national holiday in commemoration of the birthday of Queen Victoria
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Example Sentences

Authorities have closed some parks and campgrounds in Alberta over the Victoria Day weekend.

From Reuters

Traditionally, residents spend the Victoria Day weekend outside as families take advantage of the warmer weather to go camping or enjoy other outdoor activities.

From Reuters

WestJet gave notice on Monday that they could go on strike as early as Friday, raising fears of travel disruptions during Canada's Victoria Day holiday weekend.

From Reuters

WestJet gave notice on Monday that could allow for strike action as early as May 19, raising fears of travel disruptions during Canada's Victoria Day holiday weekend.

From Reuters

A possible strike could severely hamper Canada’s airline industry during the upcoming Victoria Day holiday weekend.

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More About Victoria Day

What is Victoria Day?

Victoria Day is a Canadian national holiday that was established to celebrate the birthday of Queen Victoria.

In Canada, Victoria Day is a federal statutory holiday, meaning it is a day off for many Canadians, resulting in a three-day weekend. Victoria Day and Victoria Day weekend are traditionally considered the unofficial start of summer in Canada (much like Memorial Day is in the US).

Victoria Day is often celebrated with parades and fireworks.

Although it was established to commemorate Queen Victoria’s birthday, Victoria Day is now  observed in celebration of the current British monarch’s birthday. That’s because Canada was once a British territory and is still part of the Commonwealth of Nations, which means the British monarch is, at least in a ceremonial sense, the monarch of Canada.

When is Victoria Day?

Victoria Day is always the Monday before May 25. In 2024, Victoria Day will take place on May 20. In 2025, it will take place on May 19.

More information and context on Victoria Day

Victoria Day has been celebrated since 1845, eight years after Queen Victoria became queen of Great Britain and its territories (she ruled from 1837–1901). It became an official federal holiday in Canada in 1901, the year of her death. At that time, it was celebrated on her birthday, May 24. However, in 1952, Victoria Day was changed to the Monday preceding May 25.

What are some terms that often get used in discussing Victoria Day?

How is Victoria Day discussed in real life?

In Canada, Victoria Day is popularly considered the unofficial start of summer.

Try using Victoria Day!

True or False?

Victoria Day always falls on a Monday.

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Victoria CrossVictoria Desert