Australia Day
Description:
This happened 18 years after the discovery of the continent by Captain James Cook.
Philippe named the new settlement "Sydney" after Thomas Townshend, Sydney's first Viscount Secretary of the British Empire in 1784-89, who gave the order to send the fleet.
The first fleet consisted of two warships, Sirius and Sapplay, and nine warships. There are records of 192 female prisoners, 564 men, 450 sailors, civilian and military personnel, 28 wives and 30 children on board.
Until 1808, this day was celebrated as the Day of the first landing or Foundation Day. In 1818, on the colony’s 30th anniversary, Governor Macquarie ordered a 30-gun salute and gave civil servants a day off. Soon this tradition was adopted by banks and many public organizations. In 1888, all colonial capitals (with the exception of Adelaide) celebrated the centenary of the landing of the first fleet as Jubilee Day, and by 1935 all states of the country celebrated January 26 as Australia Day.
For a long time, the official holiday fell on the Monday closest to January 26. Since 1994, the official holiday and all celebrations fall on January 26.
Australia Day is Australia’s favorite holiday. Throughout the country, the landing of the first fleet is reproduced, numerous regattas and parades are held.
The celebration is marked by numerous fireworks. The largest light shows are held annually in Perth, the third largest city in the country.
On Australia Day, a music festival kicks off in Sydney and a cricket match in Adelaide. Canberra hosts a live music concert, as well as the presentation of one of the country's most honorary awards - Australian of the Year.
Traditionally, the Prime Minister addresses the nation.
Australia Day is the perfect time to wear a jersey, hat, socks (anything!) with the Australian flag and wear it with undisguised pride. It’s also time to decorate the house with balls and flags to make it look festive.
There is also a tradition: colleagues of Australians working abroad give them gifts on this day. Australian workers are allowed a long lunch or even the opportunity to leave work early.
While for most Australians of British descent, January 26 is a holiday, many Aboriginal people see it as a day of mourning. As the true masters of the land, the Aborigines regard this historical fact as the beginning of the loss of their right to live as they lived for 40,000 years. Indigenous Australians are working hard to regain these rights and regain respect for their culture and traditions.