Guest Author - Michelle R. Mangio
January 26 commemorates the anniversary of when the first settlers arrived on Australian soil, establishing the penal colony at Port Jackson by Captain Arthur Phillip. It is the official naitonal day of Australia, and is a public holiday in all states and territories of Australia. Widely considered to be an important day in Australian history, it is also known as Anniversary Day or Foundation Day.
Australia Day is celebrated throughout Australia in grand style, though - like Thanksgiving Day in the United States - it is not without some protest, for it also marks the beginning of the displacement of the Aboriginal Peoples from their traditional lands.
But while the actual day marks the beginning of the British Penal Colonies in Australia, the holiday has become so much more than marking a day in history. For Australians today, this day is more about celebrating what it means to be an Australia, proudly displaying their love for their country, fellow Australians, and the land.
The Perth Lotterywest Skyworks lays claim to the largest Australia Day fireworks display in the country, though many cities celebrate with their own fireworks displays. Air Force aerial displays and Parades are held in some cities. In Sydney, the Harbour remains the focus of their celebrations, with three races across the Sydney Harbour: a surfing race, a ferry race, and a tall ship race.
Citizenship celebrations are held, with the largest taking place in Brisbane. The Australian of the Year, honoring outstanding achievements. Nominees (and winners) come from all walks of life. The winner is announced in Canberra during the Australia Day Live Concert.
Triple J has their Top 100 Countdown during Australia Day, celebrated with a huge Aussie BBQ. The Big Day Out music festival in Sydney has also traditionally been celebrated on Australia Day.
Many official celebrations try to include the Aboriginal Peoples in the festivities, partly to honor the first peoples of Australia and partly in response to earlier protests that were held during Australia Day Festivities (such as the "Invasion Day" Protests or the "Survival Day" Concert in Sydney celebrating that the Aboriginal Cultures had not been entirely wiped out).
While there may be many political aspects to Australia Day, and certainly some unhappy reminders of Australia's checkered past, this holiday is more about coming together to celebrate the land that all Australians love, and celebrate being Australian, regardless of one's walk in life.
Australia Day celebrations are so large, in fact, that they are even celebrated in the United States. The week preceding Australia Day through the final weekend after marks the "Australia Week" Festivities held simultaneously in both New York City and Los Angeles. Many famous Australians attend the Opening Gala in LA or the Black Tie Formal Gala (Closing Ceremony) in NY. Numerous workshops and special seminars - ranging from meeting Australian animals to sampling Australian wines - occur throughout the week-long celebrations in the U.S.
