FESTIVAL IN AUSTRALIA

Australia Day (previously known as Anniversary Day, Foundation Day, and ANA Day)[1]

is the official national day of Australia. Celebrated annually on 26 January, the date commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788 and the proclamation at that time of British sovereignty over the eastern seaboard of New Holland.[2]

Although it was not known as Australia Day until over a century later, records of celebrations on 26 January date back to 1808, with the first official celebration of the formation of New South Wales held in 1818. It is presently an official public holiday in every state and territory of Australia and is marked by the presentation of the Australian of the Year Awards on Australia Day Eve, announcement of the Honors List for the Order of Australia and addresses from the Governor-General and Prime Minister. With community festivals, concerts and citizenship ceremonies the day is celebrated in large and small communities and cities around the nation. Australia Day has become the biggest annual civic event in Australia.[3]

The date is controversial to some Australians, particularly those of Indigenous heritage, leading to the use of alternate names, such as Invasion Day and Survival Day. Proposals have been made to change the date of Australia Day, but these have failed to gain widespread public support.

The Founding of Australia, 1788

500,000 people watch the Lotterywest Skyworks at Perth, Western Australia, Australia Day, 2006

Australia Day barbecue at Berridge Park, Denmark, Western Australia

Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand, commemorated

by both countries on 25 April every year to honour the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought at Gallipoli in the Ottoman Empire during World War I. It now more broadly commemorates all those who died and served in military operations for their countries.[1][2] Anzac Day is also observed in the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tonga. It is no longer observed as a national holiday in Samoa.

Anzac Day at Manly, Brisbane, Australia, 1922

A large commemoration march in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales(April 2008)

The Last Post is played at an Anzac Day ceremony in Port Melbourne, Victoria, 25 April 2005. Ceremonies like this are held in virtually every suburb and town in Australia and New Zealand on Anzac Day each year.

Each year on ANZAC Day in Te Awamutu, New Zealand the graves of War Veterans are decorated

Anzac Day dawn service at the New Zealand Memorial, Hyde Park Corner, London, 25 April 2008.