Australia Day

**Australia Day** is a national public holiday celebrated annually on **January 26th** in Australia. It commemorates the arrival of the **First Fleet** of British ships at Port Jackson in 1788, marking the beginning of British colonization. For many Australians, it is a day of national pride, featuring community events, barbecues, fireworks, concerts, and citizenship ceremonies welcoming new Australians. However, the day is also a time of reflection and protest for Indigenous Australians, who refer to it as **"Invasion Day"** or **"Survival Day,"** acknowledging the impact of colonization on their cultures and communities. The holiday sparks ongoing conversations about reconciliation, history, and national identity.