Public Holidays in Samoa 2026 – National & Cultural Holidays
Samoa defines its public holidays under the Public Holidays Act 2008. The calendar includes fixed-date holidays, movable Christian observances, and additional holidays declared by the Head of State when required.
Explore more: Public Holidays in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Public Holidays in Samoa 2026
| Date | Weekday | Holiday | Notes / Observance |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day | Fixed national holiday |
| January 2 | Friday | Day After New Year’s Day | Additional New Year holiday |
| April 3 | Friday | Good Friday | Christian observance |
| April 4 | Saturday | Holy Saturday | Day after Good Friday |
| April 6 | Monday | Easter Monday | Holiday after Easter Sunday |
| May 11 | Monday | Mother’s Day | Observed Monday after second Sunday in May |
| June 1 | Monday | Independence Day | Samoa’s national day |
| August 10 | Monday | Father’s Day | Observed Monday after second Sunday in August |
| October 12 | Monday | Lotu a Tamaiti (White Sunday Holiday) | Observed Monday after second Sunday in October |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | Fixed Christian holiday |
| December 26 | Saturday | Boxing Day | Observed on following weekday |
| December 28 | Monday | Boxing Day (observed) | Substitute public holiday |
Public Holidays in Samoa 2025
| Date | Weekday | Holiday | Notes / Observance |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Wednesday | New Year’s Day | Fixed national holiday |
| January 2 | Thursday | Day After New Year’s Day | Additional holiday |
| April 18 | Friday | Good Friday | Christian observance |
| April 19 | Saturday | Holy Saturday | Day after Good Friday |
| April 21 | Monday | Easter Monday | Holiday after Easter Sunday |
| May 12 | Monday | Mother’s Day | Observed Monday after second Sunday in May |
| June 1 | Sunday | Independence Day | Samoa’s national day |
| June 2 | Monday | Day Off for Independence Day | Observed because June 1 falls on Sunday |
| August 11 | Monday | Father’s Day | Observed Monday after second Sunday in August |
| August 28 | Thursday | Election-Related Holiday | Day before general election |
| August 29 | Friday | Election Day Holiday | Polling day declared public holiday |
| October 13 | Monday | Lotu a Tamaiti (White Sunday Holiday) | Observed Monday after second Sunday in October |
| December 25 | Thursday | Christmas Day | Fixed Christian holiday |
| December 26 | Friday | Boxing Day | Second day of Christmas |
Notes & Observations
- Samoa’s public holidays are governed by the Public Holidays Act 2008.
- If a fixed-date holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is usually observed.
- Lotu a Tamaiti (White Sunday) is a culturally and religiously significant holiday dedicated to children.
- Election-related public holidays are declared only in election years.
- The Head of State may declare additional holidays for national events or special occasions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Samoa have in 2026?
Samoa observes around 11–12 public holidays in 2026, excluding any election-related declarations.
What is Lotu a Tamaiti?
Lotu a Tamaiti (White Sunday / Children’s Service) is a major Christian observance held on the Monday after the second Sunday in October.
Are election holidays included every year?
No. Election-related public holidays are declared only in years when national elections are held.
What happens if a public holiday falls on a Sunday?
The following Monday is generally observed as the official public holiday.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Samoa reflect strong Christian traditions, national identity, and democratic processes. From Independence Day and White Sunday to Easter and Christmas, these observances play a central role in Samoan civic and cultural life. Because additional holidays may be declared by proclamation, official confirmation near each date is recommended.
