The history & observance of Victoria Day. It’s a celebration of the sovereign’s birthday in Canada. It follows a tradition that is unique to Canada.
The Sovereign’s birthday has been an event celebrated in Canada since the reign of Queen Victoria (1837 – 1901).
The legislature of the province of Canada declared 24 May, Queen Victoria’s birthday, a holiday 181 years ago in 1845.
After Confederation, Queen Victoria’s birthday was celebrated each year on 24 May. Only if that date fell on a Sunday was a proclamation issued enacting provisions for the celebration on 25 May.
After the death of Queen Victoria in 1901, an act was passed by the Parliament of Canada establishing an annual legal holiday on 24 May under the name Victoria Day.
Here are some of the events that took place during the weekend known as Victoria Day.
Victoria Day fireworks
Ashbridge’s Bay
The City’s fireworks display was to happen again this year, too, at Ashbridge’s Bay Park on Monday, 18 May. Fireworks were lit from 22:00 hours. Attendees were encouraged to opt for public transit instead, with their personal vehicles left at their homes.
Canada’s Wonderland
Fireworks were to light up the sky in Vaughan at 22:00 hours on Sunday, 17 May. Over 6,000 colorful explosions are planned, reaching heights of 800 feet. Multiple viewing points are arranged throughout the park.
Flavors festival
The Festival of Flavors at Sugar Beach moves as a global food celebration. It brings together flavors from every corner of the globe, centralized into a single venue.
There will be USD 3.65 (CAD 5) tasting features to sample standout dishes, along with free face-painting games, besides salsa dancing.
Toronto Halal Bites festival
A three-day food, culture, and art festival was to be held at Nathan Phillips Square. The Toronto Halal Bites were to celebrate diverse halal cuisine, community, and artistic expression.
This event was expected to move with live art installations, an art gallery, cultural performances & a live cooking show.
Over 20,000 people were expected to participate in the free festival, which operated on Friday 15, Saturday 16, and Sunday, May 17.
