August long weekend 2023 Alberta

1 Jan 2023 (Sunday) - New Year's Day

20 Feb 2023 (Monday) - Alberta Family Day

7 Apr 2023 (Friday) - Good Friday

22 May 2023 (Monday) - Victoria Day

1 Jul 2023 (Saturday) - Canada Day

4 Sep 2023 (Monday) - Labour Day

9 Oct 2023 (Monday) - Thanksgiving Day

11 Nov 2023 (Saturday) - Remembrance Day

25 Dec 2023 (Monday) - Christmas Day

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Known for its sunshine, fresh air, and open spaces, Alberta is a melting pot of different cultures and ethnicities. The people of Alberta celebrate this diversity, each year, with Heritage Day, which is observed on the first Monday in August. Museums run special events and there is a different theme for the day each year. The annual observance even has its own three-day festival, which is attended by thousands of Albertans. If you are proud of Alberta’s heritage (and the famed Canadian cooperation), we have some creative ways you can celebrate it.

Heritage Day in Alberta timeline

1905

Alberta Becomes a Province

Alberta gets its provincial status on September 1, 1905, along with Saskatchewan.

1974

Heritage Day is Announced

Government of Alberta marks the first Monday of August as Heritage Day, meant to celebrate the cultural and historical heritage of the province.

1976

The Birth of Servus Heritage Festival

No fewer than 11 ethnic communities come together to hold the first Servus Heritage Festival, which becomes an annual fixture on Edmonton's calendar.

Heritage Day in Alberta Activities

1. 1. Trace your family's history

   Invite your extended family to lunch, sit down under the sun, and try to piece together your family's history. You never know, there could be pleasant surprises lurking there.

2. 2. Take the day off

   True, it's not a designated holiday. However, you can always take the day off and enjoy a long weekend. Use the opportunity for a quick getaway, while attending the Servus Heritage Festival and avoiding the Sunday rush.

3. 3. Tour the museums

   Museums have special events on the day. For instance, Fort Calgary has treasure hunts and interpretive tours. Take a trip to museums in your city and convert the day into family time.

5 Fun Facts About Alberta

1. The Birthplace of "Trick or Treat"

   According to documented history, the "trick or treat" phrase, associated with Halloween, was first heard in Blackie, Alberta.

2. St. Paul has a UFO Landing Pad

   The town even has an UFO information center, which has pictures of allegedly real crop circles and UFOs.

3. It is the Birthplace of Bloody Caesar, too

   The famous (or infamous) cocktail was invented by one Walter Chell for Westin Hotel in Calgary.

4. Edmonton has an Artificial Waterfall

   Built near Edmonton's downtown, the artificial spectacle is higher than Niagara Falls.

Why We Love Heritage Day in Alberta

1. New year — new theme

   Heritage Canada Foundation picks a different theme to celebrate the day each year. For instance, in 2015, the theme was Main Street at the Heart of the Community. Iconic commercial areas in Alberta were decorated and an awareness campaign was launched to promote the importance of business districts in the province.

2. It is Servus Heritage Festival time

   Each year, a 3-day festival takes place in Alberta during this time. The festival features stalls and displays from several communities, meant to celebrate the diversity and cultural roots of the country. More importantly, there's a whole variety of artwork on sale, and delectable food from different communities to experience.

3. There are plenty of cultural shows

   You will find the most variety at the Servus Heritage Festival, but look around your neighborhood for less crowded options. For single folks, there is every chance you might meet someone interesting at these shows!

On this page you will find general information and details about holidays in Canada for 2023.

Canada Day will be on Saturday. Most Monday to Friday businesess will give Friday off in lieu but if you normally work on Saturdays you should check with your employer about this day to avoid any surprises.

Easter in 2023 is on April 7 (Good Friday) and Easter Sunday is on April 9 - approximately halfway between Family Day and Victoria Day.

Remembrance Day will be on a weekend so this year everyone can join events to commemmorate members of the armed forces - even in Ontario where this is still not an statutory holiday.

Christmas in 2023 is on a weekday: Christmas day is on a Monday and Boxing Day following on Tuesday. This makes planning for the holidays easier - other years when Christmas is on a weekend there tends to be some discussion and even confusion around which days are paid days off.

As of 2021 the new National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is observed on September 30, which is a Saturday this year. Ever since this holiday was introduced it took over as the most controversial holiday as it's for federally regulated employees only. (Remembrance day is close second because it's not a holiday in Ontario.)

List of Canadian holidays in 2023

2023 is not a leap year.

Most school boards in 2023 will start the schoolyear on September 5, a day after Labour Day.

Daylight saving time in 2023 starts on Sunday, March 12 and ends on Sunday, November 5.

Simpler holiday rules?

Do you find the provincial exceptions too complicated to remember? How you would change Canada's convoluted holiday system?

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