So, it's over again. Our little festival of flag-waving, meat-cooking and music-listening has drawn to a close, meaning we'll have to wait until at least April to be able to take the day off work again and get drunk in the name of patriotism.
That doesn't mean, however, that the celebrations have to end entirely. Australia Day might have come and gone, but there are plenty of other national celebrations around the world that travellers are welcome to crash. Here are some of the best.
St Patrick's Day, Ireland (March 17)
Independence Day in the USA.Credit: iStock
Saint Paddy's Day has nothing to do with Irish independence, but it does have a lot to do with national culture and pride, and even more to do with taking to the streets in the name of having a good time. St Patrick's Day in Ireland is one of those bucket list events for travellers, the chance to join in a raucous national celebration of all that's good about the country, including silly hats and a pint of green beer. Or two.
Fiestas Patrias, Peru (June 24, July 28-29)
As lovers of a public holiday, Australians have to tip their hats to Peru, which celebrates its statehood on three separate occasions throughout the year. The first day is a nod to farmers and rural dwellers, while July 28 marks the day Jose de San Martin proclaimed independence for the country, and July 29 is a celebration for the armed forces. All dates are marked with the appropriate festive gusto.
US Independence Day (July 4)
Everyone knows what happens on US Independence Day: flags are flown, meat is barbecued, allegiance is sworn, beers are drunk, picnics are had, and then aliens attack and Will Smith saves the day. Movies aside, this really is a great time to be in the USA, as everyone comes out to celebrate, and you'll see more stars and stripes than you ever thought possible. No one does patriotism quite like the Americans.
Bastille Day, France (July 14)
Well, maybe no one but the French. To celebrate the storming of the Bastille in 1789, the French military rolls out its big guns every July 14, with military parades and air shows as everyone else takes to the streets to watch. There are fireworks, of course – what national celebration would be complete without them? There are also, curiously, public parties held in fire stations, hosted by the fire-fighters themselves, which is great news for anyone whose house isn't on fire that day.
Bolivian Independence Day (August 6)
You think we're bad. I've been in La Paz for Bolivian Independence Day, and I've never seen drunker people in my entire life. Bolivians go nuts for their national celebration, taking to the streets in the morning for a series of parades, before taking to the local establishments in the evening for the consumption of heroic amounts of booze. All foreign (non-Chilean) guests appear to be welcomed with open arms.
India Independence Day (August 15)
There's pomp, there's ceremony, and then there's Indian pomp and ceremony, which takes things to a while new level. For evidence, head to Delhi on August 15 and watch the locals mark their independence from the British Empire. It's customary for houses, and those houses' inhabitants, to be decked in the national colours as parades and ceremonies occur throughout the country. Bring your camera.
Indonesian Independence Day (August 17)
What better way to celebrate the independence of your country from the dastardly Dutch than by attempting to climb up a huge greasy pole and grab the prizes affixed to the top? It's called "panjat pinang", and it's meant to symbolise Indonesia's struggle to go it alone. OK. It's also about as visually interesting a way to celebrate national pride as I've ever seen.
Mexican Independence Day (September 16)
Contrary to what some might think, given the way it's celebrated in the US, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico's day of independence. That date falls later in the year, in September, to mark the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence. This is best celebrated in Mexico City, where hundreds of thousands gather in the Zocalo, the main square, to chant patriotic slogans and – you guessed it – watch a fireworks display.
What is your favourite day of national celebration?
Email: b.groundwater@fairfaxmedia.com.au
Instagram: instagram.com/bengroundwater
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