Waltzing Matilda Day is observed in Australia every April 6 to celebrate the iconic song "Waltzing Matilda," often referred to as the country's unofficial national anthem. The song, written by Banjo Paterson in 1895, tells the story of a swagman who encounters misfortune while traveling with his belongings in a bedroll. The inaugural celebration took place in Winton, where the Waltzing Matilda Centre, dedicated to the song, opened in 1998. The date was chosen based on a historical misconception regarding the song's first performance, believed to have occurred on April 6, 1895. Over the years, "Waltzing Matilda" has gained immense popularity, being performed at various events and even considered for the national anthem in a 1977 plebiscite. The day serves to remind Australians of the cultural significance of this beloved ballad.