Public Holidays in Fiji 2026 – National, Hindu & Christian Holidays
Fiji observes a mix of Christian, cultural, and national public holidays. These days reflect the island nation’s multi-faith heritage and colonial as well as indigenous history. On official public holidays, government offices, schools, banks, and many businesses close across Fiji.
Overview of Public Holidays in Fiji
Fiji’s public holiday calendar includes Christian observances (Good Friday, Easter), commemorative days (Girmit Day), national celebrations (Fiji Day), and religious holidays for the Muslim and Hindu communities (Prophet’s Birthday, Diwali). Some holidays fall on fixed Gregorian dates, while others are based on lunar observations or are gazetted annually by the government.
List of Public Holidays in Fiji (2026)
| Holiday | Date (2026) | Day | Significance / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Thursday | Beginning of the Gregorian calendar year |
| Good Friday | April 3 | Friday | Christian observance before Easter Sunday |
| Easter Saturday | April 4 | Saturday | Part of Easter weekend public holiday schedule |
| Easter Monday | April 6 | Monday | Christian holiday following Easter Sunday |
| Girmit Day | May 12 | Tuesday | Commemorates arrival of Indian indentured laborers |
| Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna Day | May 30 | Saturday | Honors prominent Fijian statesman Ratu Sukuna |
| Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday* | August 26* | Wednesday* | Islamic observance (subject to moon sighting) |
| Fiji Day | October 10 | Saturday | Marks Fiji’s independence and cession history |
| Diwali (Festival of Lights)* | November 8* | Sunday* | Hindu festival celebrated nationally |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Friday | Christian holiday observing the birth of Jesus |
| Boxing Day | December 26 | Saturday | Public holiday following Christmas Day |
* Dates for Islamic and Hindu holidays are approximate and depend on lunar observations and official gazetting.
List of Public Holidays in Fiji (2025)
| Holiday | Date (2025) | Day | Significance / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Wednesday | Beginning of the Gregorian calendar year |
| Good Friday | April 18 | Friday | Christian observance before Easter Sunday |
| Easter Saturday | April 19 | Saturday | Part of Easter weekend public holiday schedule |
| Easter Monday | April 21 | Monday | Christian holiday following Easter Sunday |
| Girmit Day | May 12 | Monday | Commemorates arrival of Indian indentured laborers |
| Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna Day | May 30 | Friday | Honors influential Fijian statesman Sukuna |
| Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday | September 8 | Monday | Islamic observance (subject to lunar calendar) |
| Fiji Day | October 10 | Friday | Anniversary of Fiji’s independence |
| Diwali (Festival of Lights) | October 21 | Tuesday | Hindu festival celebrated nationwide |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Thursday | Christian celebration of Jesus’ birth |
| Boxing Day | December 26 | Friday | Public holiday following Christmas Day |
In total, 11 public holidays were officially gazetted for Fiji in 2025.
Religious, Cultural & National Significance
Fiji’s holidays reflect its religious and cultural diversity. Christian holidays dominate the Easter and Christmas periods, while Islamic and Hindu observances highlight the contributions of minority communities. Girmit Day and Sukuna Day honor Fiji’s historical journey and leadership, while Fiji Day stands as the most important national celebration.
Public Observances & Closures
On public holidays, government offices, schools, and financial institutions close nationwide. Businesses may operate limited hours. If a holiday falls on a weekend, the government may declare a substitute day, depending on official gazetting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Fiji observe each year?
Fiji typically observes around 11 public holidays each year, as officially gazetted by the government.
What is Girmit Day in Fiji?
Girmit Day commemorates the arrival of Indian indentured laborers to Fiji and recognizes their cultural and historical contribution.
Is Diwali a public holiday in Fiji?
Yes. Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, is recognized as a national public holiday in Fiji.
Do religious holiday dates change each year?
Yes. Islamic and Hindu holidays are based on lunar calendars, so dates may change annually and are confirmed by official announcements.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Fiji showcase the nation’s multicultural identity, blending faith-based observances, historical remembrance, and national pride. These holidays play an important role in uniting Fiji’s diverse communities.
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