Public Holidays in Micronesia 2026 – National & Cultural Holidays
The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) observes several national public holidays by law, along with additional state holidays specific to its four states (Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap). Under FSM law, if a national holiday falls on a Saturday it is observed on the preceding Friday, and if it falls on a Sunday it is observed on the following Monday.
National Public Holidays in FSM (By Law)
The following are the legally mandated national holidays observed across all FSM states:
- January 1 — New Year’s Day
- May 10 — FSM Day (Constitution Day)
- October 24 — United Nations Day
- November 3 — Independence Day
- December 25 — Christmas Day
Long public holiday periods are often used for domestic travel between islands or leisure stays listed under best hotels in Micronesia. Visitors may also explore island highlights featured in places to visit in Micronesia.
Additional Public / Regional Holidays in 2026
In addition to national holidays, FSM states observe regional and cultural holidays that apply only within the respective state.
| Date | Day | Holiday | Notes / Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 11 | Sunday | Constitution Day (Kosrae) | Kosrae State holiday |
| March 1 | Sunday | Yap Day | Yap State holiday |
| March 31 | Tuesday | Micronesian Culture & Traditions Day | National cultural observance |
| April 3 | Friday | Good Friday | Religious observance (varies by state) |
| August 21 | Friday | Gospel Day (Kosrae) | Kosrae State holiday |
| September 8 | Tuesday | Liberation Day (Kosrae) | Kosrae observance |
| September 11 | Friday | Liberation Day (Pohnpei) | Pohnpei observance |
| October 1 | Thursday | Constitution Day (Chuuk) | Chuuk State holiday |
| October 24 | Saturday | United Nations Day | National holiday (observed per FSM law) |
| November 8 | Sunday | Constitution Day (Pohnpei) | Pohnpei State observance |
| November 11 | Wednesday | Veterans of Foreign Wars Day | National observance |
| November 23 | Monday | President’s Day | Observed nationally |
| December 24 | Thursday | Constitution Day (Yap) | Yap State holiday |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | National holiday |
Additional Public / Regional Holidays in 2025
FSM also observes a number of regional and cultural holidays at the state level. These observances are recognized locally and may affect public services, schools, and business operations within that state.
| Date | Day | Holiday | Notes / Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 11 | Saturday | Constitution Day (Kosrae) | Kosrae State holiday |
| March 1 | Saturday | Yap Day | Yap State holiday |
| March 31 | Monday | Micronesian Culture & Traditions Day | National observance |
| April 18 | Friday | Good Friday | Religious observance (varies by state) |
| August 21 | Thursday | Gospel Day (Kosrae) | Kosrae State holiday |
| September 8 | Monday | Liberation Day (Kosrae) | Kosrae observance |
| September 11 | Thursday | Liberation Day (Pohnpei) | Pohnpei observance |
| October 1 | Wednesday | Constitution Day (Chuuk) | Chuuk State holiday |
| October 24 | Friday | United Nations Day | National holiday |
| November 8 | Saturday | Constitution Day (Pohnpei) | Pohnpei State observance |
| November 11 | Tuesday | Veterans of Foreign Wars Day | National observance |
| November 23 | Sunday | President’s Day | Observed nationally |
| December 24 | Wednesday | Constitution Day (Yap) | Yap State holiday |
| December 25 | Thursday | Christmas Day | National holiday |
Observance Rules & Notes
- National holidays shift to Friday or Monday when they fall on weekends, in accordance with FSM federal law.
- State holidays are legally binding only within their respective states.
- FSM’s cultural holidays (such as Yap Day and Liberation Days) reflect strong state identity and traditional heritage.
- For a contrasting example of a federal system that distinguishes statutory national holidays from widely observed days, see Public Holidays in Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many national holidays does FSM have by law in 2026?
FSM has five national holidays by statute: New Year’s Day, FSM Day, United Nations Day, Independence Day, and Christmas Day.
What is Micronesian Culture & Traditions Day?
It is a national cultural observance on March 31 celebrating traditional values, customs, and heritage across FSM.
Do state holidays apply nationwide?
No. State holidays apply only within the respective state that declares them.
How are weekend holidays handled?
If a national holiday falls on a Saturday, it is observed on Friday; if it falls on a Sunday, it is observed on Monday.
Conclusion
Public holidays in the Federated States of Micronesia combine a small set of federally mandated holidays with a rich range of state-level observances. Travelers and residents should always check both national and state calendars, as regional holidays can significantly affect local schedules and services.
