-
Australia - Source: ONE News -
Related
With New Zealanders taking part in annual Waitangi Day commemorations, tvnz.co.nz takes a look at a few other National Day celebrations around the globe.
United States - Independence Day aka Fourth of July
No one does patriotic pride quite like the Americans.
The United States' Fourth of July celebrations commemorate the adoption of independence from Great Britain in 1776.
And US citizens like to bring out all the bastions of American culture for the big day - namely barbecues, fireworks, parades and baseball.
Amongst the sea of red, white and blue, it is more than likely a few renditions of some patriotic classics will ring out during the day, too. A bit of Star-Spangled Banner or America The Beautiful, maybe even This Land Is Your Land, if you're really lucky.
There are Independence Day events a-plenty each year. But perhaps the best of them all is the annual Nathan's hot dog eating contest on Coney Island. So the story goes, the competition began on July 4, 1916, in order to settle a dispute as to who was the most patriotic. God bless America.
Australia - Australia Day - January 26
And then we have our cousins across the ditch.
Australia's big day falls on January 26 and commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788.
Australia Day conjures up visions of alcohol-soaked crowds and chants of "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, oi, oi, oi", not just in Australia, but in other locations around the world where large populations of Antipodeans congregate (we're looking at you, London).
The eve of Australia Day also sees the announcement of the Australian of the Year award. Apparently, this person is an "inspirational role model for the Australian community". The process of selection is quite brilliantly skewered by Chris Lilley's spoof series, We Can Be Heroes.
However, like Waitangi Day, Australia Day is not without its controversy. Many indigenous Australians participate in "Invasion Day" protests on January 26.
Ireland - St Patrick's Day - March 17
Who hasn't tried to pass themselves off as Irish on St Patrick's Day?
Ireland's national holiday celebrates St Patrick, one of the country's patron saints. Although it usually falls on March 17, the day is moved on the occasions it falls during Holy Week. Because Jesus trumps St Patrick, according to the Catholic Church.
Millions of Irish and non-Irish take part in celebrations around the world, with the colour green being a predominant theme. Guinness consumption levels skyrocket around the globe, too, no doubt.
New York's annual parade is the largest St Patrick's parade in the world. Up to 150,000 marchers, bands and clubs take part in the festivities, with around two million people taking to the streets to see it all.
France - Bastille Day - July 14
The French national holiday is known as Bastille Day everywhere except France itself. In France, it is called Fete Nationale.
It revolves around the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille fortress, seen as a symbol of the modern French nation.
Paris' Champs-Elysees is the venue of much pomp and ceremony on the morning of July 14. A large military parade kicks off with cadets, infantry troops and an appearance by the aerobatic demonstration team of the French Air Force.
The French President used to discuss the state of the nation and future projects with the media on Bastille Day, however, it appears this tradition ended when Nicolas Sarkozy took power.
The President is also given power to pardon offenders on this day. Again, this is a process the current President has chosen not to continue. That Sarkozy, such a killjoy.
French quarters around the world join in Bastille Day festivities each year. Possibly one of our favourites is Philadelphia's tradition of channeling their inner Marie Antoinette with a cry of "Let them eat Tastykake!" (Tastykake being a locally-produced snack food.)
Classy.
How do you celebrate Waitangi Day? Share your thoughts on
our message board below.
Add a Comment:
Post new commentahastings said on 2010-02-08 @ 09:53 NZDT: Report abusive post
What a discusting act by that republican man, and that is why he is a republican because he has no morals or standards by burning the flag and dressing up like an idiot. this man should be arrested and held accountable for burning a flag that means alot to me and all New Zealanders especially those who have fought under our flag
pridepassionpower said on 2010-02-08 @ 00:42 NZDT: Report abusive post
I care about the NZ flag being burnt, it really hurts me to see that, how about I burn yours in your face? I just wonder that if I carry on like an idiot and burn flags and become lazy that maybe I might get attention from the govt as well? Just a thought. BRING ON NZ DAY! ONE NATION!
ilightenall said on 2010-02-07 @ 06:45 NZDT: Report abusive post
I'm still buzzing from the Waitangi day celebration held here in Perth. Thousands attended for a day of unity and sharing in our unique Kiwi culture. Kiwi Hot Dogs, whitebait fritters, hangi, L&p with homegrown music and craft stalls, Maori and Pakeha simply celebrating being Kiwi.
santa0007 said on 2010-02-07 @ 04:09 NZDT: Report abusive post
The Littlewood Treaty original version gives me my right to claim "my" land back & restore what has been taken from me without my prior say-so. Who do I gotta fight first & can i bring my Mum.
santa0007 said on 2010-02-07 @ 03:27 NZDT: Report abusive post
Foreshore & seabed issue, ultimately the country is governed by a govt,part of that is protection from invasion by anything, given the ownership goes to a non-govt entity,where are the rights if any of our constitution. As it stands now,if you have a problem with your employer & your Moari & want to take them to court,it can be done through treaty claims,according to legal services agency.Does this really mean seperatism or the justifiable return of life by an inheritad old fashioned system.