Public Holidays in Vanuatu 2026 – National & Cultural Celebrations
Vanuatu observes a series of national public holidays, many of which reflect Christian traditions, national independence, and local cultural observances. Some provincial holidays are also recognized by individual islands, contributing to the country’s rich cultural calendar.
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Overview of Public Holidays in Vanuatu
Public holidays in Vanuatu include fixed-date national celebrations, Christian observances linked to Easter, and civic holidays marking independence and unity. The official government calendar determines national non-working days, while some islands may observe additional provincial holidays.
Public holidays are popular times for domestic travel, with residents visiting top places to visit in Vanuatu or planning short breaks at the best hotels across the islands, especially around Independence Day and Christmas.
List of Public Holidays in Vanuatu (2026)
| Holiday | Date (2026) | Day | Significance / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Thursday | Start of the calendar year. |
| Father Lini Day | February 21 | Saturday | Honors Father Walter Lini, founding Prime Minister. |
| Custom Chief’s Day | March 5 | Thursday | Celebrates traditional leadership and culture. |
| Good Friday | April 3 | Friday | Christian observance during Holy Week. |
| Easter Monday | April 6 | Monday | Day following Easter Sunday. |
| Labour Day | May 1 | Friday | Celebration of workers and labor rights. |
| Ascension Day | May 14 | Thursday | Christian holy day. |
| Children’s Day | July 24 | Friday | Celebrates children nationwide. |
| Independence Day | July 30 | Thursday | Marks independence from colonial rule. |
| Assumption Day | August 15 | Saturday | Catholic observance of the Virgin Mary. |
| Constitution Day | October 5 | Monday | Commemorates adoption of the Constitution. |
| Unity Day | November 29 | Sunday | Celebrates national unity. |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Friday | Christian celebration of Jesus’ birth. |
| Family Day | December 26 | Saturday | Celebrates family and togetherness. |
List of Public Holidays in Vanuatu (2025)
| Holiday | Date (2025) | Day | Significance / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Wednesday | Start of the calendar year. |
| Election Day | January 16 | Thursday | Declared holiday for parliamentary elections. |
| Father Lini Day | February 21 | Friday | Honors Father Walter Lini, founding leader. |
| Custom Chief’s Day | March 5 | Wednesday | Celebrates traditional leadership. |
| Good Friday | April 18 | Friday | Christian observance during Holy Week. |
| Easter Monday | April 21 | Monday | Day after Easter Sunday. |
| Labour Day | May 1 | Thursday | Celebration of workers and labor rights. |
| Ascension Day | May 29 | Thursday | Christian holy day. |
| Children’s Day | July 24 | Thursday | Celebrates children nationwide. |
| Independence Day | July 30 | Wednesday | Marks independence from colonial rule. |
| Assumption Day | August 15 | Friday | Catholic observance. |
| Constitution Day | October 5 | Sunday | National constitutional anniversary. |
| Unity Day | November 29 | Saturday | Celebrates national unity. |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Thursday | Christian celebration of Jesus’ birth. |
| Family Day | December 26 | Friday | Celebrates family and togetherness. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many national public holidays does Vanuatu have in 2026?
Vanuatu observes around 14–15 national public holidays each year, excluding additional provincial observances.
Which holiday celebrates Vanuatu’s independence?
Independence Day, observed on July 30, marks Vanuatu’s independence and is the country’s most important national celebration.
Are holidays moved if they fall on weekends?
In some cases, an alternative weekday may be declared when a public holiday falls on a weekend, depending on government announcements.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Vanuatu reflect strong Christian traditions, respect for customary leadership, and pride in national independence. These observances play an important role in uniting communities across the islands through faith, culture, and shared history.
