G'day, mate, it’s time to crack open a tinny and throw a shrimp on the barbie because Australia Day is fast approaching.
Now, enough with the Aussie stereotypes — this week marks 236 years since the First Fleet landed at Port Jackson in Sydney — and the start of white settlements in Australia. The First Fleet was the 11 ships that sailed from the UK to Australia in 1787, carrying the first group of convicts, as well as marines, officers, and free settlers. The fleet's primary purpose was to establish a penal colony in Australia, then known as New Holland.
Fast forward to 2024 and Australia Day is a public holiday and somewhat of a late-summer festival down under.
However, the day is also marred by controversy. Indigenous groups and a growing number of non-indigenous Australians refuse to celebrate.
So what is Australia Day, when is it in 2023, and why is it controversial? Here's everything you need to know.
When is Australia Day 2024?
Australia Day 2024 is on Friday, January 26.
What is Australia Day?
Australia Day is the official national day of Australia, celebrated annually on January 26. It marks the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet of British ships at Port Jackson in 1788, and the raising of the British flag at Sydney Cove by Captain Arthur Phillip.
While January 26th is significant for many Australians, it is also a day that raises debates and discussions about its historical and cultural implications, particularly for Indigenous Australians.
Australia Day was initially known as Foundation Day and was first celebrated in 1808 in Sydney. Over time, it evolved into a national celebration.
It is often seen as a day to celebrate and reflect upon the diverse cultural landscape and national identity of Australia. It symbolises the nation's history, achievements, and multicultural society.
Many citizenship ceremonies are held on Australia Day, where people officially become Australian citizens. This emphasises the inclusivity of the nation.
Australia Day is also a time when national awards and honours are presented to people for their outstanding contributions to the community or the country.
It is celebrated with various events, including fireworks displays, community festivals, and concerts held in cities and towns across the country.
Many Australians celebrate the day with family and friends, enjoying outdoor activities such as barbecues and picnics.
Australia Day is associated with various sports events, including cricket matches and regattas, adding a festive and competitive spirit to the celebrations.
Australians often display the national flag and other patriotic symbols during the celebrations.
Why is Australia Day controversial?
Like many national holidays that commemorate European colonisation, Australia Day has been mired in controversy.
For many indigenous Australians, January 26th is seen as a day of mourning, marking the beginning of the dispossession of their lands.
There have been ongoing discussions and movements advocating changing the date of Australia Day to make it a more inclusive celebration that respects indigenous perspectives.
In 1938, about 100 people gathered to mark a "Day of Mourning", while in 1988 more than 40,000 indigenous and non-indigenous took part in a protest march in Sydney.
Thousands of people take part in protest marches every year as they believe Australia Day celebrates white colonisation and the persecution of Aboriginal Australians. Many have renamed it Invasion Day or Survival Day.
What food is eaten on Australia Day?
While lacking the culinary reputation of countries such as Italy and France, there is still plenty of quintessentially Australian grub for you to get your mitts on.
Think "sausage sangas" (sausage sandwiches to us Brits), lamingtons (sponge cake covered in chocolate and coconut), Iced VoVos (a biscuit with fondant and coconut on top), and Anzac biscuits.
Other popular delicacies include fairy bread (slices of buttered white bread topped with hundreds and thousands), Tim Tams (like Penguin bars), and Twisties.
Damper is also popular with some. It is a traditional Australian bush bread made from flour, water, and a pinch of salt. It was historically cooked over a campfire by swagmen and drovers.
Australia Day 2024 events in London
As well as plenty of celebrations down under, there will also be parties in London.
These include pub crawls and 'Aus Day 2024 - The London Expat Party', held at Troxy on Commercial Road in Stepney on Saturday, January 27.
There will also be Australia Day celebrations at Chestnut Manor in Cambridge Park on Friday, January 26, with food and exotic animals.
You can also visit famous Aussie haunts such as Infernos on Clapham High Street or The Slug in Fulham, both of which will likely mark the celebrations at the weekend.
For something a little more light-hearted, Australian comedians will be at Leicester Square for a stand-up comedy show. John Robertson, Joshua Robertson, Hamish Shepherd, and Pete Gionis as MC will be appearing.
