McDonald's To (Temporarily) Change Its Name In Australia

For the first time ever, McDonald's will be changing its name, only temporarily, at some of its locations in Australia, according to Business Insider. The fast-food chain will be called Macca's, an affectionate nickname many Australians have for the Golden Arches, according to Reuters.

Some 13 restaurants, starting with the McDonald's in New South Wales, are changing their signs. The move is in honor of Australia Day Jan. 26, a public holiday that traditionally commemorates the landing of Captain Arthur Phillip at Port Jackson in present-day Sydney, thereby claiming Australia for the British Empire. Australia Day includes sports competitions, concerts, and fireworks over Sydney Harbour.

"We're incredibly proud to embrace our 'Australian-only' nickname," said Mark Lollback, the company's chief marketing officer in Australia, according to Reuters.

The McDonald's signs will return Feb. 4.

Lauren Mack is the Special Projects Editor at The Daily Meal. Follow her on Twitter @lmack.