Western Australia Day, formerly known as Foundation Day, is a — official annual holiday in one third of Australia. This is how much the country's largest state, — Western Australia, occupies.
Officially, Foundation Day is celebrated here on June 1, but, according to tradition, festive events and days off fall on the first Monday of June.
On June 1, 1829, the first settlers of the west coast completed their long journey from Britain to the Green Continent, to the Swan River colony. They arrived on the ship «Parmelia» (Barque Parmelia) under the command of Captain James Stirling. Strong winds prevented travelers from setting foot on the shore for several days, and they explored their new land from the water.
Although they officially landed on the shore later, it was June 1 that became Founding Day for residents of the western part of the country. In the same year, the state's largest city (the fourth most populous in Australia) — Perth was founded.
Another aspect of the celebration of Western Australia Day — is a symbolic meeting of two cultures: ancient, pagan, which the southern land has nurtured for tens of thousands of years, and relatively new and so far from these places. Over the years, the first visitors were joined by seekers of their promised « land» from all over the globe. The first settlers of the state were the English and Irish. However, very soon the Italians and Greeks reached the coast «». In the middle of the last century, Germans, Dutch, Croats and Macedonians began to settle on the west coast of Australia. Next wave — Southeast Asia and South Africa.
On Founding Day, Australians pay tribute to those who came to this land before them. They also thank those who live and work today, building an even more wonderful future. «State Resident of the Year» — Western Australia's most honorable award — is presented on this holiday. And in the State Government building there is a big ball, which is headed by the governor himself.
Also, a day of national pride for all those who call Western Australia home is not complete without festive concerts, cannon fireworks, meetings with veterans, art and cultural exhibitions.
Let us remind you that on January 26, the Green Continent celebrates another important holiday — Australia Day.