Heritage Day is a statutory holiday in the province of Nova Scotia, Canada. The holiday, which is observed on the third Monday of February, celebrates the rich cultural and historical diversity of Nova Scotia. Over the years, different aspects or personages of Nova Scotia's heritage are highlighted. The day is intended to encourage and facilitate the celebration and appreciation of the broad aspects of cultural and historical intersections that make up the unique identity of the province.
The idea of Heritage Day was first conceived in 2013 and imposed in Nova Scotia in 2015. The process of its implementation aimed not only to establish another statutory holiday but also to underline and pay homage to the unique stories of the people of Nova Scotia. Each year, the provincial government selects a person or event from Nova Scotia's history that will be celebrated on Heritage Day.
One notable aspect of Heritage Day is that it is inclusive of the entire Nova Scotian community, regardless of their ethnic, cultural or racial background. It aims to encompass the broad range of experiences that have shaped the history and heritage of Nova Scotia. From the indigenous Mi'kmaq people to the later immigrant communities, all have contributed to the shaping of Nova Scotia’s unique and diverse cultural landscape which is worth honoring and celebrating on Heritage Day.