ANZAC Day, marked every 25 April (a Saturday in 2026), is one of the most solemn days in Australia and New Zealand — a national day of remembrance for those who served and died in war. Here's the history behind the date and its traditions.
See the ANZAC Day holiday page, or the Australia and New Zealand holiday calendars.
Why is ANZAC Day on April 25?
It marks 25 April 1915, the day soldiers of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) landed at Gallipoli (Gelibolu), in the Ottoman Empire, during World War I.
The Gallipoli campaign was a costly military failure — eight months of brutal fighting with heavy casualties on all sides before the Allies withdrew. Yet the courage and endurance shown there became a defining moment of national identity for both young nations, remembered as the "ANZAC spirit."
From Gallipoli to a day for all who served
ANZAC Day began as a way to honour those who died at Gallipoli. Over time it grew into a broader day of remembrance for all Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
Traditions of ANZAC Day
- Dawn services — held at the time of the original landing, often in near-darkness.
- Marches by veterans and their families.
- The Ode of Remembrance ("They shall grow not old…"), the Last Post, and a minute's silence.
- "Lest we forget" — the phrase repeated at services.
- The traditional game of two-up, played on this day.
- It is a public holiday in both Australia and New Zealand.
Quick answers
Why is ANZAC Day on April 25? It marks the Gallipoli landing of 25 April 1915, when Australian and New Zealand troops came ashore during World War I.
What does ANZAC stand for? Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.
What does ANZAC Day commemorate now? All Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
When is ANZAC Day 2026? Saturday, 25 April 2026 — it is always 25 April.