День оснуванця Австралії3 фото

#### Day of Foundation The Day of Foundation is an official annual celebration that takes place in one-third of the territory of Australia. Specifically, this refers to the largest state of the country – Western Australia, which is particularly renowned for being the only state in Australia that does not observe the change of time between summer and winter time. Officially, the Day of Foundation is observed on June 1st, but traditionally, the celebratory activities and the weekend festivities extend throughout the first Monday of June. Residents of Western Australia place great emphasis on their history and have a profound understanding of their roots. This is precisely because they have a dedicated Day of Foundation to honor their heritage. On June 1st, 1829, the first settlers from the western coast completed their long journey from Britain to the Australian continent, arriving at the Swan River colony aboard the ship Barque Parmelia, under the command of Captain James Stirling. Due to strong winds, they were unable to land immediately and spent several days observing their new home from the water. Although they officially settled on shore later, June 1st has since become the Day of Foundation for the people of Western Australia. In the same year, the largest city in the state – Perth, which is the fourth most populous city in Australia – was founded. Today, Australians celebrate the Day of Foundation on the first Monday of June to extend their weekend. Another important aspect of this celebration is the symbolic integration of two cultures: the ancient, indigenous culture that has existed for tens of thousands of years in this region, and the relatively new culture brought by settlers from various parts of the world. Over the years, people from all over the globe have flocked to Western Australia in search of their “promised land.” The first settlers were mainly English and Irish, but soon Italians and Greeks also arrived. In the mid-20th century, Germans, Dutch, Croats, and Macedonians began settling there as well. Later on, people from Southeast Asia and South Africa also joined them. Each group of settlers contributed something unique to the region’s cultural heritage, helping to shape the distinctive and vibrant culture of Western Australia today. Today, this state is home to nearly 2 million people of 200 different nationalities, who speak 170 languages and practice nearly 100 different religions. On the Day of Foundation, Australians pay tribute to those who came before them and express their gratitude to those who are currently living and working in the state, contributing to its continued development. The most prestigious honor in Western Australia is the “Resident of the State of the Year” award, which is presented on the Day of Foundation. Additionally, a grand Foundation Day Ball is held at the State Government Building, attended by the governor himself. This national day of pride also includes various festive activities such as concert performances, gun salutes, meetings with veterans, and artistic and cultural events.