Nova Scotia Heritage Day

Observed annually on the third Monday in February, Nova Scotia Heritage Day is a holiday that celebrates and honors the culture, people, and places that are found in Nova Scotia. It was a statutory holiday that was added in 2015 and is an annual reminder of the uniqueness of Nova Scotia and its culture.

This holiday was placed on the third Monday because that ensures that the businesses in Nova Scotia remain in sync with businesses in other places that observe a February holiday like this one. It’s a day for state workers in the area to get a paid day off and for tourists to go visit this amazing Canadian province.

The History Of Nova Scotia Heritage Day

Nova Scotia Heritage Day was first introduced in 2015 to honor a specific person, event, or place in Nova Scotia. The choice of who is honored is usually chosen by the school children in Nova Scotia.

The first subject was Viola Desmond-a Canadian civil rights activist of Black Nova Scotian descent. In 2021, Edward Francis Arab was honored. Edward Arab fought at the Battle of the Scheldt during WWII and gave his life in the process.

Facts About Nova Scotia

Below are some facts about Nova Scotia.

  • 150,000 tonnes of lobster are harvested in the waters of Nova Scotia every year.
  • The coldest temperature ever recorded in Nova Scotia was a very cold -41.1 degrees Celsius.
  • Nova Scotia has over 23,000 kilometers of roads.
  • There are over 7,400 kilometers of coastline in Nova Scotia.
  • The warmest temperature recorded in Nova Scotia was 39-degrees Celsius.

Observing Nova Scotia Heritage Day

Nova Scotians who want to celebrate this holiday can do so by taking the time to learn more about the famous Nova Scotians that are featured for the year of this holiday, or by taking the time to learn about other famous Nova Scotians. People can also use the hashtag #NovaScotiaHeritageDay to spread the word about this holiday.

Where is it celebrated?
Canada (Common local holidays) - Nova scotia
When is it?
This year (2023)
February 20 Monday
Next year (2024)
February 19 Monday
Last year (2022)
February 21 Monday