Australia doesn't have many traditions. Attempts to get Halloween off the ground have stalled due to one too many homeowners telling little kids to get off their property or they will see a scary sight. Australia's equivalent of America's Independence Day is Australia Day on January 26, the landing of the First Fleet of Convicts in Botany Bay. Unlike the French who proudly celebrate Bastille Day, most Australians are a bit insecure about their Convict heritage thus they aren't too keen on celebrating their patriotism with a tribute to criminals. It is generally seen as a good day for a barbie.
Alternative dates suggested for Australia Day include January 1, the sitting of the first federal parliament. Such suggestions have hit a wall as it is generally accepted that the only thing worse than having a Convict in ones ancestry, is having a politician.
St Patricks Day is a popular tradition. Even though it may be in tribute to a patron saint of a foreign country, it involves a lot of drinking hence its appeal. A home grown saint is yet to eventuate. A Ned Kelly Day would be a possibility. The only problem is that countless concerned citizens already work themselves into a tizzy that painters, novelists, musicians and poets celebrate our Ned. If politicians gave official approval as well, the concerned citizens would probably pack their bags and head to New Zealand in a huff - much to Australia's loss.…
