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Updated Jan 26, 2021 - World

In photos: Thousands march in protest of Australia Day

Rebecca Falconer
The march gets under way in Melbourne, Australia's second-most populous city.

Protesters march in Melbourne, Australia's second-most populous city on Tuesday. Photo: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Thousands of mostly masked demonstrators marched peacefully in several Australian cities Tuesday in protests demanding a change of date for the "Australia Day" national holiday, per multiple reports.

Why it matters: Aboriginal people call the occasion "Invasion Day," as it's held on the anniversary of the 1788 arrival of the British in Australia. Five people were arrested at a Sydney protest for breaching COVID-19 rules by holding an unauthorized protest, police said. In Melbourne, a supporter of the far-right Proud Boys group was arrested while staging a counter-protest.

Police officers stand watch as protesters display signs at the Invasion Day rally in the city on January 26
Police officers stand watch as protesters display signs at the Invasion Day rally in Melbourne. Photo: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images
Protesters wearing face masks hold flags and banners as they prepare to march on January 26
Protesters wearing face masks hold flags and banners as they prepare to march in Sydney. Photo: James D. Morgan/Getty Images
Protesters gather at The Domain during an "Invasion Day" demonstration on Australia Day in Sydney on January 26
Protesters gather at The Domain in Sydney. Photo: Wendell Teodoro/AFP via Getty Images
A man wearing a 'Proud Boys' shirt and an Australian flag attends the Invasion Day rally in the city on January 26, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia.
A man wearing a "Proud Boys" shirt stages a counter-protest in Melbourne. Photo: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Editor's note: This article has been updated with more photos.

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