March 21 marks Harmony Day for 2012, and is an annual celebration of the nation's cultural diversity.
Communities celebrate the occasion across the country with events involving food, music and art from cultures around the world.
A VIOLENT HISTORY
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Harmony Day coincides with the United Nations' Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, an anniversary marking pain, death and discrimination.
In 1960, South African police gunned down almost 70 protesters, who were calling for an end to apartheid.
In Australia, Harmony Day was first celebrated in 1999 and was initially aimed at community groups and primary-school aged children.
The aim was to draw attention to the benefits of a multicultural society and eliminate all forms of racism in Australian society.
Over time, Harmony Day has come to be celebrated more widely across Australia.
THIS YEAR'S THEME: SPORT
This year's theme focusses on sport, with the catchphrase, "play, engage, inspire".
A record 5,500 events have been registered this year, according to Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, senator Kate Lundy.
"Sport is a powerful tool that can bring people from all walks of life together to share in a common passion and strive for a common goal," senator Kate Lundy said in a video message.
"Sport fosters a wonderful sense of belonging, and acceptance and helps build bridges of understanding and respect."
CELEBRATIONS KICK OFF
The celebrations have already kicked off, with the launch at the Australia vs India Twenty20 cricket match last month.
A number of other special sports events are planned, including a number of NRL, AFL and Netball games.
The traditional celebratory events will also be brought back, including the Scanlon Foundation's A Taste of Harmony campaign to promote diversity in the workplace through multicultural lunches.
To find out more about the special sports and community events in your area, visit the government's official website here.
Watch prominent Australians talk about the message of Harmony Day below.
