Long Weekends of 2023
Long weekends in Canada are a big deal. Who doesn’t want to have an extra day to themselves? These weekends are usually associated with a holiday that we are meant to observe or celebrate. Obviously, there will be no classes. If the holiday already falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the break will be either the previous Friday or the next Monday. For example, New Year’s Day fell on a Sunday, and we had Monday, January 2, 2023, off.
Here is a list of holidays that VanWest College will observe in 2023, resulting in some weekends being longer than others.
FAMILY DAY – Monday, February 20, 2023
Family Day is a day for Canadians to celebrate with their families. We are encouraged to spend time with our loved ones. Remember we have the family we are born with and the ones we create through friendships. While many of our families are back in our home countries we should the time to contact them.
EASTER WEEKEND – Friday, April 7, 2023
Like many countries around the world, Canada celebrates Easter. Easter is usually a solemn weekend and it still is for many but Canadians take advantage of this weekend to gather with loved ones as well. This is where the Easter Bunny and egg hunt come in. Parents will hide chocolates and other goodies in plastic eggs for the children to find.
VICTORIA DAY – Monday, May 22, 2023
In the month of May, Canada celebrates Victoria Day. Although the holiday was created to celebrate the birthday of Queen Victoria, it is now celebrated as the official birthday of Canada’s sovereignty. This holiday is special for British Columbians. A big spectacle always happens in the province’s capital; Victoria.
CANADA DAY – Monday, July 3, 2023
Firstly, we know Canada Day is actually July 1 but that’s a Saturday. As we have said in the beginning, if the holiday falls on the weekend it will be observed on another day. While Victoria celebrates Canada’s sovereignty, Canada Day celebrates Canada’s independence.
B.C. DAY – Monday, August 7, 2023
Canadians celebrate this holiday differently. Alberta celebrates this day as Heritage Day whereas British Columbia celebrates this as B.C. Day.
LABOUR DAY – Monday, September 4. 2023
Unquestionably, Labour Day weekend is a special long weekend. We recognize and celebrate all the workers who built and continue to build this country. For public school students, this day marks the start of a new school year.
THANKSGIVING – Monday, October 9, 2023
While Americans celebrate Thanksgiving in November, Canadians celebrate this holiday in October. Many say that it’s a perfect day to plan out the rest of the year. After Thanksgiving, you can start putting up your Halloween decorations. Following Halloween, it is Remembrance Day in November. Lastly, it will be the Christmas holidays. Thanksgiving is a time to be reflective and appreciative. Hence, “thanksgiving”.
REMEMBRANCE DAY – Monday, November 13, 2023
Firstly, Remembrance Day is always November 11. This year, that date is a Saturday. Therefore, we are celebrating it the following Monday. Remembrance Day is a very solemn holiday in Canada. We honor all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for this country. You will see many people wearing the poppy as a symbol of their respect. Please be mindful when celebrating this long weekend.
CHRISTMAS & BOXING DAY – Monday-Tuesday, December 25-26, 2023
As far as long weekends go, the Christmas long weekend is the most anticipated. It’s four days off in a row. Also, it is the most well-known holiday, literally celebrated in some sort of way across the world. It is a time to gather with loved ones, celebrate and reflect on how the year has been for all of us. Yes, it is a time for gift giving but more importantly, it is a time to spread holiday cheer.
We hope this blog was helpful to you as it was to us. Please take advantage of these breaks to rest and recuperate. Lastly, let us know what you’re up to during these long weekends. Make sure to tag us if you’re up to something cool and festive with your classmates!
#VanWest
For more information about our Vocational College programs click here.
To learn more about other VanWest College ESL programs click here.
To contact us about anything else, click here.
