Anzac Day is celebrated in Australia and New Zealand in honor of the soldiers who offered their service during the war and in keeping the peace. But originally, this day was intended to commemorate the valiant sacrifice of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) in the Battle of Gallipoli during World War I.
Hence, this day has historical and cultural significance for both countries. Military parades and meaningful ceremonies are conducted annually in grateful remembrance of the soldiers who died in the war.
Anzac Day is celebrated on April 25th. As this is a national holiday, you can spend it with friends and family. Here are six tips for the ultimate adventure on Anzac Day.
1. Watch Football
Sports was once banned during Anzac Day. However, the ban was lifted after 1958. Now, you can celebrate this holiday by watching football and visiting somewhere like this collingwood shop to get yourself some of your team’s merch to watch the game in style.
The Australian Football League (AFL) schedules the ultimate match between Essendon and Collingwood on Anzac Day. This match, highlighting the traditional rivalry between the two most popular football teams, is probably the most anticipated game in the AFL season.
Also much awaited is the awarding of the Anzac medal, which is conferred to the player who exemplifies the Anzac spirit of courage, skill, teamwork, and self-sacrifice. You can secure tickets in advance if you’re interested in the ANZAC Day Match.
2. Attend The Dawn Service And Anzac Parade
Commemorative ceremonies start with the Dawn Service at 4:30 AM, which is around the time when Australian and New Zealand troops landed at the Gallipoli beach. The ‘stand-to’ ritual is performed wherein soldiers stand in attention at the first light of dawn, ready to defend the land against enemy attack.
This solemn ceremony is typically followed by the playing of the trumpet call ‘Last Post,’ a two-minute silence allowing soldiers to remember their fallen comrades, and the reciting of the poem ‘Ode to Remembrance.’ In some parts of Australia, a mass or religious service is conducted.
Veterans wearing their medals and military personnel in active service participate in the Anzac parade. A military band joins this parade, playing the Australian hymn as they march throughout the capital cities.
3. Volunteer In The Community
As there are many celebrations happening on this day, manpower is needed for the necessary preparations. With communities welcoming volunteers, you can step up and help out in your own little way.
Volunteers are usually given the task of decorating using red poppies, which symbolize remembrance of war and its casualties. You may also be assigned to assist citizens during the events.
Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community. It’s also a way to show gratitude to the soldiers who served the country.
4. Visit Museums
Australia takes pride in its history. Once a colony of the United Kingdom, Australia gained its independence in 1901. Its military history is fascinating because it participated in all the major world wars.
It’s ideal to visit museums on Anzac Day because it commemorates a poignant historical event. On this day, museums usually offer discounts to students and local tourists to encourage them to learn about Australia’s history and heritage.
5. Cook National Dishes
It’s a great idea to cook Australia’s national dishes on Anzac Day. You can’t go without roast lamb, which tops the list of national favorites, followed by meat pie and barbecued sausage in bread. And don’t forget the Anzac biscuits!
Thankfully, these delicious dishes are easy to prepare. Just search online for the recipe and adjust it according to your taste. Your family and friends will surely love this gastronomic feast.
6. Go Camping
You can enjoy the holiday by going camping in scenic spots around the country. To make camping even more fun, you can prepare games like a scavenger hunt.
Camping is one way to spend quality time with your loved ones. It also allows you to enjoy the outdoors, breathe in fresh air, forget your worries, and engage in physical activity.
Celebrating Anzac Day
Anzac Day is celebrated to honor our nation’s heroes. Their sacrifice should never be forgotten.
There are many meaningful ways to celebrate this special day such as participating in commemorative ceremonies, volunteering your services to help with the preparations in your community, and revisiting the nation’s history by going to the museum. You can also spend the day by going on a camping adventure with friends and family or root for your favorite team as you watch the hotly contested football match.
So go ahead and enjoy Anzac Day!
