Grammatically, the keyword term functions as a compound proper noun phrase. It refers to the statutory provincial holiday in Quebec officially known as Journe nationale des patriotes (National Patriots' Day). Observed annually on the Monday preceding May 25, it commemorates the political and armed struggle of the Patriotes during the Lower Canada Rebellion of 18371838. In Quebec, this observance deliberately replaces the federally recognized Victoria Day, which is celebrated on the same date in most other Canadian provinces.
The holiday's historical basis is the conflict in which French-Canadian reformers and their supporters, led by figures like Louis-Joseph Papineau, sought to establish a democratic and responsible government. They challenged the authority of the British Crown and its appointed oligarchy, the Chteau Clique. The grievances of the Patriotes were formally articulated in the Ninety-Two Resolutions of 1834. The official establishment of this commemorative day occurred in November 2002, when the Quebec government formally replaced the previously observed Fte de Dollard, marking a significant symbolic shift toward a narrative of democratic struggle and national affirmation.
The practical application of this day is its status as a public holiday, providing a day of rest and civic reflection. Its observance serves as a contemporary affirmation of Quebec's distinct historical and political identity within the Canadian federation. Commemorations often include official ceremonies, historical lectures, and the raising of the Patriote flag, an emblem of the rebellion. The holiday functions as a key element of Quebec's civic calendar, reinforcing a collective memory centered on republican ideals and the pursuit of self-determination, in contrast to the monarchical traditions commemorated elsewhere in Canada.
