Dictionary of Sydney

The Dictionary of Sydney was archived in 2021.

Empire Day

The celebration of Queen Victoria's birthday on May 24 was renamed Empire Day in 1903 after her death in 1901. It was celebrated throughout the British Empire culminating in fireworks and bonfires in the evening. The last celebration of Empire Day in Australia took place in 1958. The modern Queen's Birthday public holiday is a separate event observed on the second Monday of June.

Milestone
Date of event
24 May 1837 - 24 May 1958
Name
Alternate
Cracker Night
Alternate
Queen's Birthday
24 May 1837 - 24 May 1902
Type