On the 25th of April it is ANZAC Day, a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand.
ANZAC stands for: Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.
On the 25th of April each year all Australians and New Zealanders who served and died and are operating in all wars/conflicts/peacekeeping operations are commemorated.
Originally it was to honor the ANZACs who fought at Gallipolo against the Ottoman Empire during World War I, but these days all ANZACs in every war/conflicts are honored.
In many cities/towns there will be services held.
In Sydney, the main Dawn Service is held at Martin Place at The Cenotaph. This service starts at 4.15am.
The Sydney ANZAC Day March (marched by Navy/Army/Air Force/civilians in suppot of Australian Troops, descendants of Australian veterans, Commonwealth and allies) will start at 9 am at Martin Place/Elisabeth Street and finishes at the end of Hyde Park (around 12.30pm). Here a service will be held next to The Pool of Remembrance at the ANZAC War Memorial.
The tradition of two-up games is held in clubs and pubs across the country. Every other day of the year it is illegal to play this game, except for Anzac Day. Two-up is a gambling game where two coins are thrown in the air and you bet on heads or tails, while drinking a beer and eating something of the BBQ.
For places to check out two-up in Sydney, click here!
Please take note that the not all shops will be open on Anzac day. Large retailers will have to close their door after 1pm. Cafe’s and small shops like pharmacists, convenience stores and petrol stations are allowed to be open. Exact times & rules may change from state to state.
