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Get ready to honor a royal legend this May 20, as we celebrate Victoria Day! Marking the official birthday of Queen Victoria, known as the Mother of Confederation, this holiday is steeped in colorful history. Ever since its inception in 1845, Victoria Day has gloriously underscored the beginning of the summer season in Canada, involving exciting firework displays, grand parades, and family picnics. Relive the past, savor the present, and join us as we immerse ourselves in vibrant traditions that bring communities together and make this day all about unity, joy, and reverence for a monarch who left an indelible mark in history. Let's make Victoria Day truly special this year!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1819</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Birth of Queen Victoria</div><div class='timeline-text'>Queen Victoria was born on May 24 in Kensington Palace, London.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1845</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Inauguration of Victoria Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>Canada began celebrating Queen Victoria's birthday as a public holiday on May 24. </div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1867</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>"Mother of Confederation"</div><div class='timeline-text'>With the Confederation of Canada, Queen Victoria's role became particularly significant, earning her the title "Mother of Confederation."</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1891</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Iconic Fireworks Tradition Begins</div><div class='timeline-text'>Victoria Day celebrations began to regularly include grand firework displays, becoming a key tradition.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1952</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of Fixed Date</div><div class='timeline-text'>A bill was passed to celebrate Victoria Day on the Monday preceding May 25, making for a long weekend.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2002</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Growth of Community Events</div><div class='timeline-text'>Start of the new millennium saw community-focused events like parades and picnics becoming a integral part of Victoria Day celebrations.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Unearth the history of Queen Victoria</h3><p class='facts-text'>Use this day to delve into the life and reign of Queen Victoria. Learn about her childhood, her ascendancy to the throne, and how she ruled. Watch movies, read books or just surf the internet to get the full story on this trailblazing monarch. Knowledge deepens understanding and appreciation.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Organize a Victorian-era themed party</h3><p class='facts-text'>Step back in time by hosting a Victorian-themed party for friends and family. Encourage guests to come in period attire, serve tea and scones along with other traditional Victorian foods, play games that were popular during the era and use this opportunity to engage in meaningful conversation about the historical impact of Queen Victoria's reign.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Visit a museum or gallery</h3><p class='facts-text'>Many galleries and museums hold special exhibitions or tours around Victoria Day, offering an insight into Canada's past and allowing you to learn more about Queen Victoria's role in shaping today's society.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Decorate your home in Victorian style</h3><p class='facts-text'>Get in the royal spirit and decorate your house or apartment in the opulent style of Queen Victoria's reign. Think elaborate drapes, damask patterns, intricate doilies, ornate furniture, and gorgeous floral arrangements. It's a fun way to bring a touch of royal elegance to your home decor.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Indulge in a traditional English Afternoon Tea</h3><p class='facts-text'>In the era of Queen Victoria, afternoon tea became a well-loved tradition. Recreate this experience with a variety of teas, cakes, biscuits, scones and sandwiches. It would make a wonderful family affair or even an intimate gathering with close friends to commemorate Queen Victoria's birthday.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Victoria Day marks the start of summer</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Celebrated with fireworks, parades, and family picnics, Victoria Day is a festive event that announces the start of the summer season in Canada. The holiday atmosphere brings communities together in a unique and joyful way, building unity and promoting collective celebration.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates a significant historical figure</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>This day commemorates Queen Victoria, known as the Mother of Confederation. She left an indelible mark in history, so it's an opportunity to delve into her life and reign, learning about her influence and the historical impact of her rule. This deepens understanding and appreciation of Canada's past.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Victoria Day offers a rich cultural experience</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Through various activities such as visiting museums, hosting Victorian-themed parties, or simply enjoying traditional English Afternoon Tea, Victoria Day immerses us in vibrant traditions of the Victorian era and provides a rich cultural experience. It's a fun and educational way to spend a holiday and it brings the past to life, right in the heart of the present.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Victoria Day Also Celebrates the Current Monarch’s Birthday</h3><p class='facts-content'>While the holiday observes Queen Victoria's birthday, it coincidentally signifies the official Canadian birthday of the reigning sovereign, regardless of their actual birth date.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Victoria Day Was Once a Day of Mourning</h3><p class='facts-content'>In the year following Queen Victoria’s passing in 1901, Victoria Day was observed as a day of mourning. The typical festivities were put on hold out of respect.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Queen Victoria was the Longest Reigning Monarch for Over a Century</h3><p class='facts-content'>Queen Victoria's reign of 63 years and 7 months was the longest in British history until surpassed by her great-great-granddaughter, Queen Elizabeth II, in 2015.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Victoria Day Parades have a Naval Tradition</h3><p class='facts-content'>A long-standing naval tradition forms part of public parades on Victoria Day, with sailors marching in uniforms and ships being decorated, reflecting Queen Victoria's status as "Mother of the Navy."</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Not all Provinces Officially Observe Victoria Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>Although widely recognized across Canada, Victoria Day is not a statutory holiday in New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.</p></div></div>
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