The National Patriotes Day (French Journée nationale des Patriotes) is the terminology used in the Province of Quebec, Canada to describe Victoria Day, a Canadian Statutory Holiday celebrated annually on the Monday preceding May 25.
In other Canadian provinces, the holiday, in theory, celebrates the Canadian monarchy and the current head of state, Queen Elizabeth II by honouring Queen Victoria, who was the reigning monarch when the Canadian confederation was formed in 1867. In practice, howvever, it is generally only monarchists who celebrate the holiday as such.
Because many Quebecers do not wish to celebrate Canada's ties to the British monarchy, the day has often been given a different name. For a period, it was called Journée Dollard des Ormeaux, in honour of a 17th century French settler who was martyred trying to defend a French settlement against Iroqouis attackers.
The name was changed to Journée nationale des Patriotes in 2002 when this myth was debunked. The holiday is now used by some to commemorate the memory of the Patriotes' heritage in Quebec.
Because the Government of Quebec refers to the holiday as "the Monday preceding May 25th".
