Canberra Day is a public holiday celebrated in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) which honors the founding of Canberra, the capital city of Australia. This day falls on the second Monday in March each year and celebrates Canberra's official naming ceremony which took place on March 12, 1913.

History:

• Pre-1913: Selection of the area for the capital city following a long dispute between Sydney and Melbourne to be the capital.
• March 12, 1913: Official naming ceremony conducted by Lady Denman, the wife of then Governor-General Lord Denman.
• 1988: Canberra Day became an official public holiday in the ACT as part of Australia's Bicentenary celebrations.

Traditions:

Canberra Day involves a variety of community events and activities designed to celebrate the city's heritage and community spirit. Some traditional aspects include:

• Festivals: The Canberra Festival, a week-long celebration leading up to Canberra Day, includes music, dance, exhibitions, and performances.
• Ceremonies: Remembrance services for important figures in Canberra's history.
• Awards: Recognition of outstanding citizens through awards like the Canberra Citizen of the Year.

Activities:

On Canberra Day, residents typically enjoy:

• Family Outings: Picnics or barbecues in one of Canberra’s many parks or by Lake Burley Griffin.
• Cultural Events: Visiting museums or galleries with special exhibitions for this day.
• Concerts: Free live music concerts featuring local bands and artists.
• Fireworks Display: A traditional fireworks show is often part of the celebration (though this can be subject to change).

The day serves as an opportunity for Canberrans to reflect on their city’s history and community achievements while enjoying local festivities.