Patriot Day, or Journe nationale des patriotes, is a statutory holiday observed annually in the Canadian province of Quebec on the Monday preceding May 25. It commemorates the Patriotes' Rebellion of 18371838, a conflict in which French-Canadian Patriotes and their English-speaking allies fought for political reforms and a more democratic system of government against the British colonial administration. This holiday was officially established in 2002 by the Quebec government, replacing the former celebration of Fte de Dollard.
The establishment of this day serves to honor the individuals who struggled for the principles of liberty, national recognition, and democratic control of government in what was then Lower Canada. The Patriotes, led by figures like Louis-Joseph Papineau, presented the Ninety-Two Resolutions to the British government, demanding responsible government where the executive council would be accountable to the elected legislative assembly rather than to a colonial governor. The rejection of these demands ultimately led to the armed uprisings. The holiday's date intentionally coincides with the federal Victoria Day holiday, which is celebrated in the rest of Canada to honor the British monarchy.
In practice, the observance of Journe nationale des patriotes instead of Victoria Day highlights a distinct historical and political perspective within Quebec. It symbolizes the province's focus on its own democratic and republican heritage over monarchical traditions. For Quebecers, the long weekend marks the unofficial start of summer while also serving as a civic commemoration of a pivotal moment in their journey toward political self-determination and the establishment of a democratic society.
