ANZAC Day 2026
ANZAC Day is observed every 25 April in Australia and New Zealand. It began as a remembrance of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps landing at Gallipoli in 1915 and has grown into a broader day of respect for all who have served and died in war and peacekeeping.
About ANZAC Day
History & origins
Before dawn on 25 April 1915, troops of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) landed on the Gallipoli peninsula in what is now TĆ¼rkiye, as part of an Allied campaign in the First World War. The campaign failed in its military aims and cost tens of thousands of lives on all sides. The courage and mateship of the ANZACs became a founding story of national identity in both countries.
The first ANZAC Day commemorations were held in 1916. Over the decades the day expanded beyond Gallipoli to honour Australian and New Zealand service in later wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. Dawn services, marches, and the reading of the Ode remain central. Poppies, rosemary, and the phrase āLest we forgetā are familiar symbols. In both countries, 25 April is a public holiday; when it falls on a weekend, Mondayisation rules for workers can differ ā check local employment guidance.
Why it matters
ANZAC Day is a remembrance day, not a victory party. It asks people to honour service and sacrifice, to support veterans and their families, and to think about the human cost of war. The story includes MÄori and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service members, nurses, and civilians whose roles were often under-recognised in earlier decades.
How to celebrate
This is not a festival date. Attend a dawn service or mid-morning ceremony if that fits your community. Observe a minuteās silence. Watch or join a veteransā march with quiet respect. Visit a local war memorial or read a short, accurate history of Gallipoli or of a conflict that touched your family. Support legitimate veteransā charities. If you are overseas, many embassies and expat groups hold small services on 25 April.
Facts
- ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps
- The Gallipoli landing began on 25 April 1915
- The first ANZAC Day commemorations were held in 1916
- Dawn services and the Ode (āLest we forgetā) are central modern rituals
- 25 April is a public holiday in both Australia and New Zealand
Upcoming dates
- Saturday, April 25, 2026
- Sunday, April 25, 2027
- Tuesday, April 25, 2028
- Wednesday, April 25, 2029
- Thursday, April 25, 2030
Frequently asked questions
When is ANZAC Day in 2026?
ANZAC Day in 2026 falls on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Is today ANZAC Day?
No. ANZAC Day in 2026 falls on Saturday, April 25, 2026, not today.
What is ANZAC Day?
ANZAC Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand. It began with the Gallipoli landing of 1915 and now honours all who have served and died in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping.
Who started ANZAC Day?
Commemorations began in 1916, a year after Gallipoli, organised by returned service communities and civic leaders in Australia and New Zealand. It became an enduring national observance rather than a single founderās invention.
How do you observe ANZAC Day?
A respectful way is to attend a dawn service or ceremony, keep silence at the appointed time, and learn the history behind the day. Marches and memorial visits are common; loud commercial āpartiesā miss the point of remembrance.
Is ANZAC Day an official holiday?
Yes. It is a public holiday in Australia and New Zealand. Many shops have restricted morning trading; ceremonies and services take priority over entertainment.
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