Welcome back to all our students from a hot Christmas break, plus a big welcome to our new students. In case you didn’t know, Australia Day is coming up this Friday and that means you get a long weekend. Who doesn’t love more time off!

For those of you who from other countries, you may be wondering what the history of Australia Day is. You might also want a few tips on what to do around Adelaide, so we’ve come up with a little guide to help answer some of your questions.

Why do people celebrate Australia Day?

 The 26th of January marks the day the first fleet of British convict ships arrived in 1788 at ‘Port Jackson’ – now more commonly known as the iconic Sydney Harbour.

On that historic day, Governor Arthur Phillip raised the Flag of Great Britain to claim the territory for the ‘Mad’ King George.

The 26th of January was first celebrated by colonialists in Sydney in 1808, but it was called ‘Foundation Day’. Since then, it became a celebration of national pride across the country. It wasn’t actually until 1994 that the 26th officially became a nationally recognised holiday called ‘Australia Day’.

Strangely enough, the 26th doesn’t mark the day Australia became a nation. This didn’t happen until 1901 when the states voted to form a Federation. So, when the first people celebrated ‘Australia Day’ the word ‘Australia’ didn’t even exist!

For many Indigenous Australians, the 26th of January is a day of mourning, because it marks the beginning of colonisation. More than 20,000 aboriginal people died or were displaced from their land during the ‘Frontier Wars’ between colonists and indigenous tribes. These began almost instantly after British arrival and continued for the first 150 years of Australia’s history under colonial rule. Aboriginal people in Australia are still deeply affected by colonisation, and it’s legacy of inequality.

Indigenous people and those sympathetic to their point of view sometimes call the 26th ‘Invasion Day,’ or ‘Survival Day’. They often organise alternative festivals or protests on Australia Day to celebrate the fact that indigenous culture and peoples have survived colonisation.

 

Australia Day Weekend: traditions and celebrations.

In the past, the day was celebrated with horse-races, regattas and a day off work. Some early records of 1808 celebrations in Sydney Cove state that freed convicts used the day off to celebrate “with drinking and merriment.” One thing we know for sure is that nothing much has changed. “Drinking and merriment” are by far the preferred ways of celebrating Australia Day across the country.

Typically, the drinking and merriment will occur at a beach barbecue, backyard barbecue, park barbecue, pub beer-garden barbecue, or wherever else you can physically host a barbecue. You will definitely be seeing a large number of Australian flags on hats, shirts and attached to cars.

Since the 1980s, the day has been used to announce the winner of the Australian of the Year Award, while citizenship ceremonies are also held for new immigrants. Without a doubt, there’s always a game of cricket that’s televised in all the pubs, and usually, the Big Day Out and other festivals are held on this day, too.

Most cities and towns across Australia will have some organised celebrations going on, such as fairs, concerts and fireworks displays.

 

What’s going on around Adelaide?

The Australia Day Parade in Adelaide is one of the biggest in the country, with many different cultural groups in Australia represented. There will be marching bands, vintage vehicles and floats of fairytale creatures! The parade ends at Elder Park, where there will be free public concerts, food and fireworks.

Head to Unley for the Oxford Terrace Street Party, where you’ll find food, market stalls and free music. Or for a typical experience, why not get yourself a ticket to the cricket and see the One Day International test match at Adelaide Oval. BYO zinc!

If you’re the kind of person who can’t say no to a free BBQ breakfast – and let’s face it, who isn’t? Then, head to one of the Australia Day breakfast barbecues and citizenship ceremonies at Port Lincoln, Playford, Victor Harbor or Mount Gambier.

To check out some indigenous culture and history, head down to the Survival Day event at the beach in Semaphore. There will be music and entertainment, workshops, information booths and market stalls.

Check out the AdelaideNow Guide for more Australia Day long-weekend events, and have a great weekend off, from all of us at the College.