 |
| Queen Victoria sits in regal splendour outside the Ontario Legislature |
This holiday, typically observed on the last Monday on or before May 24, has been a tradition in one form or another in Canada since 1845. It became officially known as Victoria day in 1901 following the death of the 'Mother of Confederation'. In Quebec this date used to be the Fête de Dollard but is now celebrated as National Patriot's Day.
For many Canadians it marks the unofficial start of the summer season and is colloquially referred to as 'May Two-Four', slang for a case of twenty four beers.