By: Dindin Peñaflor
VICTORIA DAY
In Canada, we celebrate Victoria Day every year on a Monday, before May 25th. On this day Canada officially celebrates both the birthdays of Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II.
All throughout her reign from 1837 to1901, Queen Victoria’s birthday was celebrated in Canada. Victoria Day was declared a holiday in Canada West (Now Ontario) in 1845. It became a national holiday in 1901. Before Victoria Day became a national Holiday, people had celebrated “Empire Day.”
 Victoria, queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and empress of India was born on 24 May 1819. When her uncle George IV died in 1837, she went up the throne as Queen. She was only 18. She ruled until her death in 1901. Then her son Edward VII became King of England.
Everyone gets excited for Victoria Day, especially me. Let me introduce myself. My name is “Dindin Peñaflor” and I am 13 years old. I’m in Grade 8 at St. Robert’s Catholic School. I am really busy these days, concentrating on my last term, keeping focused on my academics, preparing for graduation and aside from school work, I have other extra activities (confirmation, family time, etc.) I’ve been waiting for this weekend to come so I can take a break and relax from all the hard work.
I’m always excited for Victoria Day not just because it’s another long weekend, but I get to spend time with my family and friends. We get to eat all those loads of food on the table and indulge in our favorite Karaoke! We would get together for a little party on the night before and stay until 1-3 am. So I do celebrate it in a way.
Why do we celebrate Victoria Day?
Don’t you think it’s good to know about the past? Know about the history and pass it on to the next generation so that they could pass it on to the future generation. I have a nephew and I know that one day he will be asking me “Auntie, do you know why we’re celebrating Victoria Day and do you know who Victoria is?”
Victoria Day is being celebrated until today so that we remember our Queen - Queen Victoria, so that we remember that she was one of the greatest Queens ever!
Tell your little ones why Victoria Day is being celebrated and who is Queen Victoria…
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About the writer: Dindin Penaflor is a Grade 8 student at St. Robert’s Catholic School |
