National Patriots' Day is a statutory holiday observed in Quebec, Canada, on the Monday preceding May 25. It commemorates the Lower Canada Rebellion of 18371838, a pivotal event in the province's history. The day honors the memory of the Patriotes, a movement of French-Canadian and English-speaking reformers who fought against British colonial rule for greater democratic control, political reform, and the establishment of a responsible government.
The historical context for the holiday is rooted in the political tensions of early 19th-century Lower Canada. The Patriotes, led by figures like Louis-Joseph Papineau, drafted the "Ninety-Two Resolutions" in 1834, outlining their grievances and demands for an accountable government where the executive branch would be answerable to the elected legislative assembly rather than to a British-appointed governor. The British Crown's rejection of these demands ultimately led to armed conflicts in 1837 and 1838. Although the rebellion was suppressed, it was a foundational moment in the development of Canadian democracy and Quebec's national consciousness. The holiday was officially established in 2003 by the Quebec government, replacing the former holiday, Fte de Dollard.
In contemporary Quebec, National Patriots' Day serves as a moment for civic remembrance and reflection on the province's distinct political identity and democratic journey. It is often marked by official ceremonies, historical reenactments, lectures, and public discussions. The holiday is distinct from Patriots' Day celebrated in some U.S. states, which commemorates the American Revolutionary War. Instead, it specifically celebrates a key chapter in Quebec's struggle for political self-determination and the principles of liberty and democracy.
