Happy Victoria Day From Heritage Regina

Since 1845, Canada has been celebrating the Sovereign’s birthday on or around May 24. After her death in 1901, Parliament established Victoria Day as a legal holiday. If you’re wondering why we’re celebrating her birthday a week early, it’s because in 1952 Canada passed legislation making Victoria Day a “moving holiday,” taking place on the Monday preceding May 25.

Since 1953, the holiday has served as a celebration of the Canadian monarch’s birthday including that of Queen Elizabeth II. A 1957 proclamation officially linked Victoria Day to the monarch’s birthday including the current monarch, King Charles III, and all future rulers.

In 1882, the growing settlement called Pile O’ Bones, where we live today, was renamed Regina after Princess Louise suggested the name in honour of her mother. Regina is the Latin word for Queen, which is how our city got its iconic nickname “the Queen City.”

Many notable Regina landmarks are named in honour of Queen Victoria, including Victoria Avenue and Victoria Park!

Sources: City of Regina, Government of Saskatchewan, Government of Canada