The keyword phrase "National Patriots' Day in Quebec" functions as a proper noun. It is the specific name of a statutory holiday observed exclusively in the province of Quebec, Canada. This day commemorates the political and armed struggle of the Patriotes during the Lower Canada Rebellion of 18371838, who sought democratic reforms and greater autonomy from British colonial rule.
Observed annually on the Monday preceding May 25, the holiday was officially established by the Quebec government in 2002. It replaced the federally recognized Victoria Day, which is celebrated on the same date in other Canadian provinces and territories to honor Queen Victoria. The decision to create a distinct commemoration reflects a different historical perspective, emphasizing the fight for republican and democratic ideals within Quebec's political evolution rather than celebrating a symbol of the British monarchy against which the Patriotes rebelled.
The practical application and interpretation of this holiday are significant acts of historical and cultural affirmation. By officially recognizing the Patriotes, Quebec asserts a unique national narrative that diverges from the dominant anglophone Canadian account of the 19th century. The day serves as an annual reminder of the province's distinct political identity and the historical pursuit of self-determination, framing the 1837-1838 rebellion not as a failure but as a foundational moment in the development of Quebec's democratic principles and national consciousness.
