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One of the most important public holidays in New Zealand is Anzac Day. It is held in New Zealand (and also in Australia) on April 25 every year and it commemorates the men and women who have served New Zealand and died as a result of wars and military conflicts.
Origins of Anzac Day
The word Anzac stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. This was an army corps, made up mainly of New Zealand and Australian soldiers, who fought at the battle of Gallipoli in the Ottoman Empire (now Turkey) in World War One.
The Gallipoli campaign took place in 1915 and the heavy loss of lives made a deep impact on the citizens of both Australia and New Zealand.
April 25, 1915 was the date the ANZAC force landed at Gallipoli and the first official Anzac Day was commemorated the following year. As subsequent wars have claimed the loss of more New Zealand and Australian servicemen and women, the day has come to mark the memory of all who have died in serving the country.
Anzac Day Services and Events
Services and parades to mark Anzac Day take place in many towns and cities throughout New Zealand. Typically the services are held at dawn. They may include a march in which members of the armed services, police, other service organizations and war veterans take part.
There is also a special dawn ceremony held at the beach in Gallipoli, Turkey where the troops originally landed. This beach was named "Anzac Cove" by the Turkish government 1985 and it is a place of pilgrimage for many. The ceremony attracts many thousands of people each year from Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere.
Anzac Poppies
On and around Anzac Day you may notice many New Zealanders wearing a red paper poppy on their lapel. These are worn as a further sign or remembrance.
Unlike most other public holidays, shop trading is prohibited on Anzac Day before 1pm. Many shops also remain closed for the rest of the day.
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