Taranaki Anniversary Day is observed in the historic New Plymouth/Taranaki Province of New Zealand every second Monday in March. This public holiday commemorates the arrival of the first colonists in New Plymouth, which was established by the Plymouth Company in 1841. The day celebrates the unique history, culture, and heritage of the Taranaki region, marked by parades, cultural performances, concerts, and various festive activities. The province, originally named New Plymouth Province, was one of the six original provinces of New Zealand and was renamed Taranaki in 1859. Although the provincial system was abolished in 1876, New Zealand continues to celebrate provincial anniversaries like Taranaki Anniversary Day, which is observed only within its respective historic province. The holiday is a time for local communities to reflect on their history and heritage, with schools, government offices, and many businesses closed for the day.