Australia Day is January 26th.
- Australia Day is a national holiday in Australia. It marks the anniversary of the 1788 arrival of the British fleet at New South Wales, Australia.
- Although it was celebrated before. it did not become a national holiday until 1935.
- The day is controversial with Aborginal Australians and those who dislike the elements of British Empire: it is commonly referred to as ‘Invasion Day’ and celebrating ‘white Australia’.
- Celebrations often include fireworks, outdoor concerts and barbecues. In Sydney boat races are held in the harbour, and in Perth the Perth Skyworks (a large fireworks display) are the largest single event each Australia Day.
- Citizenship ceremonies are now also commonly held on the day, with affirmation ceremonies by existing citizens recently becoming more common.
- More modern traditions include the announcement of “Australian of the Year” by the Prime Minister on the eve of Australia Day, and the Triple J Hottest 100- the listeners to the radio station Triple J vote on their favourite song of the year, with the winner announced on Australia Day.