Seasonal Events in Australia

With Australia's multi-cultural people and its summertime Christmas celebrations, the area is particularly unique at this time of year.

Though going to the beach for a game of cricket or on a picnic are popular Australian Christmas customs, some of the food is still served hot, much as it would be in winter. Popular foods at Christmas in Australia are Billy Can Pudding, Christmas Damper, Christmas Turkey on the Barbeque, Colonial Goose, Drover's Christmas Cake, and Festive Ice Cream Pudding. Sometimes Australians take rugs and candles and celebrate the season outside with Carols by Candlelight.

Also, in Australia eight white kangaroos pull Santa's sleigh.

Some special "holidays" are unique to Australia. They include Australia Day, Anzac Day, and Melbourne Cup Day.

Australia Day is observed on January 26. This is considered Australia's National Day and is a big celebration. Like Thanksgiving in America, this is the day the Australians observe the first European settlement on the continent. It is observed much like America's Fourth of July, with flags and ceremonies related to Australian citizenship. In the indigenous culture, this day is sometimes a day of mourning.

Anzac Day is held April 25. It is also a celebration of the nationhood of Australia. In particular, it observes the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps at Gallipoli in Turkey in 1915.

Melbourne Cup Day is the first Tuesday of November. The Melbourne Cup is given on this day following the world famous horse race of the same name. Though it is a public holiday in Melbourne, other areas of Australia simply have lunch to celebrate. Some Australians, however, stop whatever they are doing--whether at school, work, or home--and watch the race on television.

Australia continues to celebrate its heritage and citizenship with other days and activities. September 17 is Australian Citizenship Day. It was first observed in 2001 and simply celebrates being Australian. The second Sunday in July marks remembrance of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The observance committee for this annual remembrance was formed to make the public and the government of Australia aware of some of the issues of concern for the Aboriginal people.

The Sydney Festival marks the beginning of each year. The festival lasts one month and includes celebrations in music, art, and theatre. Events include art workshops, circuses, ferryboat races, and outdoor movies. In addition, orchestras, jazz musicians, rock bands, and the Australian Opera perform.

The Queen's birthday is celebrated on the second Monday in June. However, Western Australia celebrates this event in September or October.

In Queensland, the Birdsville Hotel celebrates each year with the Birdsville Races. This is simply a weekend where around 5000 people come to take part in horse racing and drinking.