May 23, 1936

May 24 is Victoria Day and is a Canadian public holiday, currently celebrated on the last Monday preceding May 25. Initially in honour of Queen Victoria’s birthday, it has since been celebrated as the official birthday of Canada’s sovereign. It used to be colloquially referred to as “Firecracker Day”, as it used to be the only holiday when fireworks were shown. Though fireworks are still used, it was overtaken over 40 years ago by Canada Day on July 1st.