- Q. Dear Rov, could you kindly ask Rav Miller Shlit’a and the other Rabbonim of the group if there is any problem in attending the parade and fireworks of Victoria day with our children?
A. Victoria Day (French: Fête de la Reine, lit. 'Celebration of the Queen') is a federal Canadian public holiday observed on the last Monday preceding May 25 to honour Queen Victoria, who is known as the "Mother of Confederation". The holiday has existed in Canada since at least 1845, originally on Victoria's natural birthday, May 24. It falls on the Monday between the 18th and the 24th (inclusive) and, so, is always the penultimate Monday of May (May 19 in 2025 and May 18 in 2026).
Victoria Day is a federal statutory holiday, as well as a holiday in six of Canada's ten provinces and all three of its territories. The holiday has always been a distinctly Canadian observance and continues to be celebrated across the country. It is informally considered the start of the Summer Season in Canada. (Wikipedia).
On question 3713 we wrote:
“Dear Rov Shlit’a is there a problem celebrating Victoria Day by going to a park and watching the fireworks, because of; ‘Lo Telchu Bechukot Hagoyim,’ (following the traditions of the nations)?
A. Victoria Day is not a religious holiday, as is amply recorded. It celebrates the birthday of Queen Victoria, who was the ruling monarch at the time of Canada’s birth as a country in 1867. It’s a day to celebrate all the wonderful things that make Canada the great country it is.
Therefore, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that there is no prohibition of ‘Lo Telchu Bechukot Hagoyim,’ involved. (See also question 3329 regarding that it is also propitious to include the date in a shul or school Luach).”
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that one who can and learns Torah should continue doing so and leave the Victoria day celebration to those who don’t.
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