What is Heritage Day and Why Do We Celebrate It?

Learn about the history of Heritage Day in Nova Scotia and how you and your family can celebrate this long weekend.

What is Heritage Day?

Heritage Day in Nova Scotia is a celebration of the diverse cultural heritage of the province. It’s observed on the third Monday of February, and in 2025, it will be held on February 17th. The day honours a different individual or group each year, chosen for their significant contribution to the province's heritage. 

The honoree of the 2025 Heritage Day celebration is Nora Bernard, a tireless advocate for Residential School Survivors and a member of the Millbrook First Nation. In 1995, she founded an organization to represent survivors, which brought the struggle to public knowledge and eventually led to a class-action lawsuit.

History of Heritage Day

The celebration of Heritage Day is deeply rooted in the province's history. Nova Scotia has a rich tapestry of cultural traditions, influenced by Indigenous, African Nova Scotian, Acadian, Scottish, Irish, and many other heritages. Each of these has made invaluable contributions to the development and identity of the region.

The idea of having a specific day to celebrate and acknowledge this diverse heritage gained traction in the early 2000s. After “Family Day” was introduced in the province of Alberta in 1990, other provinces added their own statutory holidays in February for a variety of reasons. 

Nova Scotia officially established their new holiday, Heritage Day, in 2015. Since then, each year has been dedicated to honouring a different aspect of Nova Scotia's vibrant heritage. Past honourees have included notable historical figures, civil rights activists, artists, and community leaders, all of whom have left a lasting impact on the province.

Why We Celebrate Heritage Day

The celebration of Heritage Day serves as an opportunity for reflection and education, as well as a time for communities to come together and celebrate their shared history. It also provides an occasion for people to learn about each other's cultures, fostering a greater sense of unity and mutual respect.

Heritage Day promotes understanding and appreciation of the diverse cultural heritage of Nova Scotia, honouring the past, embracing the present, and looking forward to a future of inclusivity and diversity.

Heritage Day Celebrations

What can you and your family and friends do over the long weekend to honour this day?  

Here’s a list of activities and resources you can check out:

• Check the official website of Nova Scotia Heritage Day for the calendar of events to be held across the province
• You can also browse through the same site for more information about the celebration and a list of past and future honourees
• Learn more about Nova Scotia's National Historic & UNESCO Sites and how to visit them
• The following cultural museums will be open and free of charge on Heritage Day:  Natural History Museum, Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, and the Museum of Industry.
• For concerts and winter festivals, check out this link for all that’s happening on the weekend in Metro Halifax 

Have a wonderful long weekend and enjoy the winter weather!

Related posts:

2025 Nova Scotia Holidays

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Date & Resources

Preparing for Your First Winter in Nova Scotia, Canada: A Guide

Everything You Need To Know About Moving To Halifax