What holiday is this, anyway?

Change in name reflects change in Quebec values

For most people, the long weekend is an opportunity to plant the garden or catch up on some much-needed relaxation.

But have you ever wondered why English Canadians celebrate Victoria Day while Quebecers mark Journée nationale des patriotes?

Some of us remember when this only-in-Canada holiday was called the Fête de Dollard.

And some even recall the schoolyard ditty: The 24th of May Is the queen’s birthday If we don’t get a holiday We’ll all run away Concordia University history professor Ronald Rudin went back in time to uncover how Quebec’s recognition of this holiday has changed over time.

Until the early 20th century, Canadians across the country all celebrated Victoria Day, marking Queen Victoria’s birthday on May 24.

However, in the 1920s, nationalist historian Lionel Groulx renamed the holiday the Fête de Dollard in Quebec in honour of Adam Dollard des Ormeaux, who died in the 1660 Battle of Long Sault.

In the early 2000s, Dollard’s saintly image as a national hero became tarnished when people realized he ambushed the Iroquois at Long Sault.

So in 2003, the holiday was renamed Journée nationale des patriotes (National Patriots’ Day), recognizing the rebellions of 1837-1838 led by Louis-Joseph Papineau.

Papineau also was a polarizing figure throughout the rebellion and its aftermath.

Some criticize Papineau as a staunch supporter of the abolished seigneurial system and obstructionist while for others, the Patriote leader and Lower Canada Rebellion are symbols of resistance to imperial rule and the push for democracy.

As Rudin points out, this evolution in the holiday’s name is more than a question of esthetics; these are symbols of the province’s evolving ideologies.

These changes point to the growing awareness about indigenous rights and shifting perceptions on nationalism and Quebec sovereignty.

Whether you call it Victoria Day or National Patriots’ Day, enjoy the holiday!