As a proper noun, "Patriots' Day" (Journe nationale des patriotes) refers to a statutory holiday observed in the Canadian province of Quebec. It is held annually on the Monday preceding May 25th. The holiday was established to commemorate the political and armed struggle of the patriotes during the Lower Canada Rebellion of 18371838. It deliberately coincides with the Victoria Day holiday celebrated in the rest of Canada, offering a distinct historical commemoration rooted in Quebec's political evolution.
The historical basis for the holiday is the conflict between French-Canadian reformers and the British colonial government in the 1830s. The Parti patriote, led by figures like Louis-Joseph Papineau, sought significant democratic reforms, including responsible government, where the executive branch would be accountable to the elected legislative assembly. When their demands, outlined in the Ninety-Two Resolutions, were rejected by the British Crown, popular discontent escalated into armed rebellion. The Quebec government officially proclaimed the holiday in 2002 to replace the previous Fte de Dollard, creating a non-religious, civic observance focused on the fight for democratic rights and national recognition.
The practical and symbolic significance of Patriots' Day is twofold. It serves as a modern affirmation of Quebec's distinct political identity and history within the Canadian federation, highlighting a narrative of resistance to colonial authority rather than celebrating a British monarch. Concurrently, it functions as the unofficial start of the summer season in Quebec, providing a long weekend for residents, much like Victoria Day does for other Canadians. The day is often marked by official ceremonies, historical lectures, and public gatherings.
