Queen Victoria reigned over Britain and the British Empire from 1837 to 1901. She was Queen when Canada became a country. Canadians continue to celebrate her birthday, except in Quebec, where the 24th of May is called Fete de Dollard des Ormeaux. Victoria Day is celebrated with picnics and especially fireworks. The biggest party of all is in Victoria, British Columbia.
Children dance around a maypole on the lawn in front of the legislative buildings.
At night there is a may Queen Ball. Men wear tall hats and grow the big mustaches that were popular for men in those days. On the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario, Victoria Day is called Independence Day or Bread and Cheese Day. This was started in 1837 by Queen Victoria. All the residents line up outside their community center to get their bread and cheese from the government.