This weekend is a long weekend in Canada because it’s Victoria Day on Monday May 20! But what exactly is Victoria Day and why do many of us get a day off work or school on Monday?
Victoria Day celebrates Queen Victoria’s birthday. She was the queen of the United Kingdom and heavily influenced the creation of Canada as a new country — she was considered the Mother of Canadian Confederation. Her influence was so great that the capital city of British Columbia (Victoria) was named after her.
Victoria Day also serves as an unofficial marker of the beginning of the summer calendar. Various parades, events and activities are celebrated throughout Canada. It’s also the start of camping season for many BC families.
If you and your family or friends don’t have any plans for the long weekend, check out these Victoria Day celebrations that are happening throughout Surrey:
• Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair, May 17 to 20, 2019, at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds.
• Royal Victorian Party, May 19, 2019, 11 am – 3 pm at the Historic Stewart Farm. Free admission.
• Clayton Community Farmer’s Market, May 19, 2019, and various dates, at 7003 188 Street. Free admission.
Note: DIVERSEcity Community Campus will be closed on Monday, May 20.