Although yesterday marked the beginning of the Lunar New Year holiday， other groups around the world had different kinds of holidays. For example， the Indians observe their Republic Day on January 26 each year with spectacular parades featuring elephants， camels， ethnic dancers and soldiers marching in a brilliant display of color.
Australia
In 1833， Australians began observing Australia Day on January 26 as a tribute to the first English to set foot on the continent. The holiday is treated differently in different featuring songs， dance and barbecues. Others treat Australia Day as a time to reflect on that Australians have achieved and where they want to go as a nation.
New Zealand
Auckland， New Zealand， has its Anniversary Day each year on January 29. this year the Kiwis hosted one of the world's largest one-day regattas， the America's cup. Nearly 1000 sailors raced yachts in 35 events in Waitemata and Manukau harbors. Spectators onshore enjoyed picnicking， outdoor concerts， an arts-and-crafts market， airplane demonstrations and exhibits. Let's read one reporter's account of the race.
Sails finally unfurl， and the chase
A pennant is raised， a gun sounds， the wind rises on cue， and synchronized chaos breaks out aboard the most expensive racing yachts ever built. Just like that， the America's Cup chase in ion， and you recall what all the fuss is about. It's about the most talented sailors in the world-all gathered on two short stretches of water on Hauraki Gulf.
Auckland [has] a rare combination of the best talent， equipment-and an ever-changing venue with a nasty streak. Rest assured： [the challengers] will accumulate some battle scars along the way. The America's Cup is all about excellence， overcoming problems and steering smartest through a stiff wind.
Word
Tribute （n） something that you say. Write or give which shows your respect and admiration.
Regattas （n） a sports event consisting of boat races.
Unfurl （v） to open a sail from a rolled position.
Pennant （n） a flag shaped like a triangle.
On cue （idiom） when something happens as if planned to take place exactly.
Synchronized （adj） happening at the same time
Venue （n） the place where a public event or meeting happens.
a nasty streak （n phr） a noticeably mean characteristic in something that is otherwise pleasant.
Battle scars （n Phr） physical or mental damage from a fight.
Australia
In 1833， Australians began observing Australia Day on January 26 as a tribute to the first English to set foot on the continent. The holiday is treated differently in different featuring songs， dance and barbecues. Others treat Australia Day as a time to reflect on that Australians have achieved and where they want to go as a nation.
New Zealand
Auckland， New Zealand， has its Anniversary Day each year on January 29. this year the Kiwis hosted one of the world's largest one-day regattas， the America's cup. Nearly 1000 sailors raced yachts in 35 events in Waitemata and Manukau harbors. Spectators onshore enjoyed picnicking， outdoor concerts， an arts-and-crafts market， airplane demonstrations and exhibits. Let's read one reporter's account of the race.
Sails finally unfurl， and the chase
A pennant is raised， a gun sounds， the wind rises on cue， and synchronized chaos breaks out aboard the most expensive racing yachts ever built. Just like that， the America's Cup chase in ion， and you recall what all the fuss is about. It's about the most talented sailors in the world-all gathered on two short stretches of water on Hauraki Gulf.
Auckland [has] a rare combination of the best talent， equipment-and an ever-changing venue with a nasty streak. Rest assured： [the challengers] will accumulate some battle scars along the way. The America's Cup is all about excellence， overcoming problems and steering smartest through a stiff wind.
Word
Tribute （n） something that you say. Write or give which shows your respect and admiration.
Regattas （n） a sports event consisting of boat races.
Unfurl （v） to open a sail from a rolled position.
Pennant （n） a flag shaped like a triangle.
On cue （idiom） when something happens as if planned to take place exactly.
Synchronized （adj） happening at the same time
Venue （n） the place where a public event or meeting happens.
a nasty streak （n phr） a noticeably mean characteristic in something that is otherwise pleasant.
Battle scars （n Phr） physical or mental damage from a fight.