You know things are returning to normal when the city’s largest parade returns.
The 122nd Victoria Day Parade will officially happen after the event had to be cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic—marking the first time in its decades-long history.
Subsequently, the event was cancelled in 2021 with COVID-19 numbers still surging across BC and the rest of the world. Events at the time were also still limited.
In March 2020, the Greater Victoria Festival Society (GVFS) said the financial impact of cancelling the Victoria Day Parade was substantial, as this event normally brings millions of dollars to the city’s tourism sector.
To replace the in-person parade, the organization created a ‘Virtual Parade’, asking Canadian and American bands, performers, floats, and walking groups that usually take part in the event to send in videos or pictures of their most recent performances.
As in the past, this year’s parade will take place on Victoria Day, Monday, May 23rd.
“The Greater Victoria Festival Society will host a world class event showcasing our diverse cultures and celebrating our Frontline workers from various business and nonprofit organizations,” organizers said on its website.
“We are thrilled to be back and we dedicate 2022 to all of YOU!”
The parade begins at Mayfair Mall and continues along Douglas Street finishing at the intersection of Douglas and Humboldt Street.
According to the GVFS, hundreds of floats and cultural performances will take place along the parade route.
In a statement, the City of Victoria announced it’s supporting 41 festivals this year with $321,200 in Festival Investment Grant funding and up to $129,500 of in-kind contributions to usher in the return to festival season in Victoria.
The GVFS received $16,000 in funding that will go towards the Victoria Day Parade and Santa Light Parade.
“Grab your sun hat and festival chair, after the long pandemic hiatus it’s going to be a great summer for arts and culture events in Victoria,” said Mayor Lisa Helps.
“I am thrilled to see the exciting line up of culturally-diverse, family-friendly events, from dance and theatre to music and community performances. There is something new to attend every week.”
Victoria Day Parade
- When: Monday May 23rd, starting at 9 a.m.
- Where: Begins at Mayfair Mall and continues along Douglas Street finishing at the intersection of Douglas and Humboldt Street.
