Australia’s public holidays can be state or national, and there are only a few public holidays that all Australian states share, despite claims that it is the “land of long weekends.” (In fact, China and Japan may altogether be a more fitting title-holder.)
Nonetheless, Australia’s public holidays often take the Mondays following the official dates, which make for a long week-end when the replacement date is considered. Next year, all of Australia’s holidays will indeed make long weekends (except the New Year’s), so plan your trips early to avoid getting caught up in a local rush.
New Year’s Day – Wednesday, 1 January 2014
The start of the Gregorian calendar in Australia is widely and noisily celebrated like it is anywhere in the Western world. Sydney, in particular, is worthy to watch as the beautiful Sydney Harbor Bridge lights up on two occasions, one at 9PM for families to enjoy, and the second at midnight for the whole world to watch. As Australia’s New Year celebrations, locally known as the Feast of Circumcision, are way ahead of other nations, the midnight countdown at the Sydney Harbor is often watched by a billion people across the globe on December 31.
Australia Day – Sunday, 26 January 2014
We have all heard of the story of how Australia started as a colony for wayward British, and this is indeed how it came to be. The first penal colony was established by Captain Arthur Phillip in what is today known as Sydney, and the largest celebrations of the Foundation Day (as Australia Day is also known) are centered here. The Australian of the Year awards is presented on this day, and citizenship ceremonies are also conducted on this civic event. There are community celebrations and flag-raising events everywhere and, more informally, backyard barbecues, sports and concerts.
Australia Day – Monday, 27 January 2014 (Replacement day)
Good Friday – Friday, 18 April 2014
For a country with as diverse faith as its people, Australia seriously takes abstinence (of alcohol) to a different level. On this day when the passion and crucifixion of the Christian savior is commemorated by a service, alcohol is banned and most of the establishments are closed (so getting something else besides alcohol can be a problem too). On the days leading up to Good Friday, hot cross buns are served, a popular treat stuffed with fruit and leavened with yeast.
Easter Monday – Monday, 21 April 2014
Australians pack up at the start of Good Friday for a mini-holiday, since most businesses do not resume until after the Easter holidays (which is on a Tuesday). The Easter season coincides with the start of festivals, and many Australians head up to the major cities to attend the shows, so expect that competition for transport and lodging can be fierce on these days. It is worthy to note that the Easter bunnies of Australia are slowly giving way to Easter bilbies (small marsupials) which deliver the chocolate eggs during Easter Sunday.
ANZAC Day – Friday, 25 April 2014
Members and families of Australian and New Zealand Army Corps celebrate this day with a somber spirit. At dawn, those who have been in the war commemorate with a “stand to” ceremony, and as the day advances, a more formal ceremony of flag-raising, wreath-laying and gun salutes attended by families and government and military officials are conducted at the grave of departed servicemen.
The Queen’s Birthday – Monday, 9 June 2014
The actual Queen’s (Elizabeth II) birthday is nowhere near in June, but her predecessor when Captain Phillip landed in Sydney was born in June; hence the tradition of celebrating the monarch’s birthday in this month. On this day, the Order of Australia is given to people who accomplished meritorious achievements, while the rest eagerly anticipate the start of the football (or ski) season and troop to their favorite playing fields.
Christmas Day – Thursday, 25 December 2014
Christmas Day in southern hemisphere is not the dark and cold celebration that we use to associate to the Yuletide season. Instead, Christmas in Australia is celebrated as though it were summer, with the holiday cheers coming from bright and warm places like the beach and backyard gardens. There is of course the traditional ceremony of gift-giving, but for most, Christmas dinner is a celebration outdoors (like backyard barbecue or a picnic in the beach).
Boxing Day – Friday, 26 December 2014
On this day, gifts are usually “boxed” for safekeeping, hence the name. But after the gifts are stowed, Australians head to the cricket grounds or shopping centers to celebrate the post-Christmas hangover.
