VICTORIA DAY WEEKEND IN CANADA 2014

Victoria Day weekend comes a little early this year. Usually around the 24th of May, it is the time for gardeners to plant and people to open their cottages for the Spring/Summer season and others to have a 3 day weekend. Of course, Victoria is the famous Queen Victoria that reigned in England over a hundred years ago. Born May 24, 1819, she became Queen June 20, 1837 and continued her reign until January 22, 1901. Since 1953, Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her official birthday. The day started as Empire Day, changed to Commonwealth Day which was moved to the second Monday in March according to some internet research. Now the Monday before May 25th is the designated holiday. A little dated for a Canadian holiday but it works. It is not an official Statutory day off in every province. In Quebec it is called La Fete de la Reine. But here in Ontario it is a great long weekend. Federally the Post Offices are closed so it does have a Canadian wide flavour. Some seasonal rules apply. For the fashion wise, do not wear white until after the May weekend. Farmers always were advised not to plant their crops until the end of the May usually coinciding with it as well. Of course there are large fireworks at major venues and parks. Homeowners often do their own backyard ones but with lots of warning to do it safely. Regardless of any historical context, having a long weekend to work, to chill, to get together with family for a barbecue or to go to the cottage it is great to have a day away from work. How are you spending your long weekend?