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Get ready to salute Australia's capital city, because Canberra Day is arriving on March 11! This public holiday was first recognized in 1913, marking the official naming ceremony of the city and celebrating the late enactment of the Seat of Government Act in 1908. While Canberra may be lesser known internationally compared to other Australian cities like Sydney or Melbourne, there is no dispute that it's a city brimming with rich history, vibrant culture, and undeniable charm. Canberra Day is not only a celebration of the city's founding, but also a fantastic showcase of the Aussie spirit. So let's join hands in anticipation of one of the most exciting days on the Australian calendar!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1908</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Seat of Government Act</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Seat of Government Act established Canberra as the capital of Australia, selected due to its location between Sydney and Melbourne.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1913</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Canberra's Naming Ceremony</div><div class='timeline-text'>On March 12th, Canberra was officially named, and this day has been celebrated since as the birthday of Canberra.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1958</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Inaugural Canberra Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The inaugural Canberra Day was celebrated with performances, fireworks and various public events.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2007</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Date Change</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government moved the celebration from the third Monday of March to the second Monday, recognizing the historical significance of the 1913 naming ceremony.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2013</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Centenary Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>Canberra's centenary was celebrated in 2013 with a year-long program of events and initiatives to showcase the city's history and culture.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Tour Canberra's landmarks</h3><p class='facts-text'>Canberra is home to numerous sites of significance, including the Australian War Memorial, Parliament House, and the National Gallery of Australia. Allocate the day for a sight-seeing tour around the city and soak in the history and culture these landmarks offer.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Attend Canberra Day festivities</h3><p class='facts-text'>Join in on the Canberra Day celebrations taking place throughout the city, such as concerts, festivals, and parades. Immerse yourself in the vibrant Australian culture and join the locals in celebrating their city’s day.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Support local businesses</h3><p class='facts-text'>Celebrate Canberra by supporting local! Visit local cafes, restaurants, or stores and appreciate all that Canberra has to offer.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Host a barbecue</h3><p class='facts-text'>Get together with friends and family and host an Aussie-style barbie (barbecue). Serve up classic Aussie dishes like sausage rolls or pavlovas and enjoy some good food as you celebrate Canberra Day in style.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Take a nature escape</h3><p class='facts-text'>Canberra is also known for its beautiful green spaces. Drive out to the Namadgi National Park or the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, pack a picnic and partake in the activities available such as hiking, bird watching or wildlife spotting.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Celebrates Australia's Capital City's History and Culture</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Canberra Day gives us a chance to honor the vibrant culture and rich history of Australia's capital city. It’s the perfect opportunity to learn more about the significant sites and historical landmarks within Canberra, such as the Australian War Memorial, Parliament House, and the National Gallery.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Vivid Celebrations and Festivities</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Canberra Day is marked by exciting celebrations throughout the city, including concerts, festivals, and parades that showcase the vibrant Australian culture. The festivities bring people together and foster a strong sense of community spirit.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Supporting local Canberra Businesses</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Canberra Day is a great opportunity to support local businesses in the capital city. Visiting local cafes, restaurants, and stores is not only a fun way to celebrate Canberra day but also an excellent way to appreciate and help the local businesses thrive.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Canberra Day Celebrations Vary Each Year</h3><p class='facts-content'>The theme and activities associated with Canberra day celebrations often change year after year to reflect current societal topics or to pay homage to particular aspects of the city's past.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Canberra Day is Only a Public Holiday in ACT</h3><p class='facts-content'>Unlike some other public holidays in Australia, Canberra Day is only commemorated within the Australian Capital Territory, making it a unique celebration exclusive to the area.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Canberra Citizen of the Year is Announced on Canberra Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>To highlight the contributions of its residents, the Canberra Citizen of the Year is announced during Canberra Day celebrations. This award-winning individual has made an outstanding contribution to the Canberra community.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Canberra Day is Often Associated with Balloons</h3><p class='facts-content'>One of the traditional Canberra Day celebrations is the Canberra Balloon Spectacular held over nine days, with hot air balloons from across the globe filling the skies above Canberra's iconic landmarks.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Canberra Festival Coincides with Canberra Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>Canberra Day is typically part of the broader Canberra Festival, a multi-day celebration that includes events focusing on art, culture, entertainment, sport, and more.</p></div></div>
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