Take a Day Off: A Look at Australian Public Holidays & Celebrations
In a nation that is home to some of the most fascinating and often surprising history, it is no wonder that there are so many vibrant and community-driven events and celebrations that cover everything from remembrance and celebrations of freedom to entire days supporting local sporting events.
Most major days come with a public holiday where the majority of workplaces, banks, and government departments are generally closed to allow for everyone to celebrate. This means that full-time employees take a paid day off, while some workplaces of major retailers, such as supermarkets, may have reduced working hours. The days that fall on either a Monday or Friday are what are affectionally known as ‘long weekends.’
Here are some of the country’s most widely celebrated events and what they mean to the Australian people.
New Years Day
Australians start off the 1st of January every year with a bang! Fireworks can be seen in every major city, with particular focus on the Sydney annual fireworks display that brings in record-breaking crowds each year. Festivities begin on New Year’s Eve and continue on to the 1st of the January which is a national public holiday.
Watched by a nation, the Sydney Harbour fireworks are the most popular display at midnight on New Year’s Eve.
Photo by Belle Co at Pexels.com
Australia Day
Australia Day on the 26th of January marks the date of the ‘First Fleet’ of British Settlers landing in Botany Bay in 1788. Historically this date has been a celebration of all things that make Australia our beloved home to the settlers. The flip side of this day, that has been celebrated by settlers, is that it changed the lives of the indigenous Australians who were living on the land for centuries. We welcome any readers to educate themselves with special consideration for the First Nations’ history that goes back 60,000 years ago.
Easter
With Christianity being a major influence in modern Aussie culture, Australians celebrate the Easter long weekend with public holidays that span from Friday to Monday over the Easter period. The two public holidays fall on ‘Good Friday’ and ‘Easter Monday’ that year, leading to a four-day weekend.
ANZAC Day
The 25th of April every year commemorates the men of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZACs) who lost their lives in the Battle of Gallipoli during the First World War. This day usually begins with a meeting of reflection known as the ‘dawn service’ that happens in towns across the country and pays tribute to fallen soldiers from past and present conflicts. It’s common to follow up ANZAC Day with a drink at the local pub, some ANZAC cookies, and a legal game of ‘two-up.’
Worn on ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day, the poppy flower is a symbol of commemoration.
Photo by Roman Kaiuk at Pexels.com
The King’s Birthday
Also known as the Queen’s Birthday or the Sovereign Birthday, it is a public holiday that falls on the second Monday in June and commemorates Australia’s history and connection to the British Monarchy.
Christmas & Boxing Day
Christmas in Australia is celebrated on the 25th of December (yes, in Summer!) and is followed by a second public holiday on the 26th of December known as Boxing Day. Christmas in Australia is celebrated with BBQs, beaches, and backyard celebrations in what is usually the hottest time of year for residents.
Christmas is celebrated at the peak of Summer in Australia.
Photo by Freepik.com
National Observances
Many days of celebration surround other special occasions both nationally and locally but are not recognised as a public holiday. These include:
- Melbourne Cup Day (a public holiday only in Victoria) celebrates the country’s most famous horse racing event.
- Various other regional sporting events such as AFL Grand Final Day (VIC), Royal National Agricultural Show Day (QLD), and Royal Hobart Regatta (TAS).
- Remembrance Day on the 11th of November where people observe one minute of silence at 11am to pay tribute to the Armistice that ended fighting in World War I.
- National Sorry Day on the 26th of May marks the beginning of Reconciliation Week that acknowledges the ‘Stolen Generation’ and Australia’s dark colonial history with First Nation communities.
- Mother’s Day & Father’s Day are on the 2nd Sunday of May and the 1st Sunday of September, respectively. Much like their American and European counterparts, these days are to celebrate mothers and fathers across the nation.
No matter your town, Australia is sure to bring you some of the most vibrant and interesting holidays that showcase the great Aussie love of community, support, and celebration. Rich in historical events and local pastimes, Australia is never short of special moments that focus on something memorable or important to our local culture. Your local council will have information on any observations or special events in your area, and everyone is highly encouraged and welcome to attend or mark the occasion in their own respectful way.
