10 Biggest Events & Festivals in Wallis & Futuna

France's National Day (14th July), known as Bastille Day, is one of the most significant celebrations in Wallis and Futuna. As a French overseas collectivity, the territory celebrates this day with official ceremonies, parades and community gatherings that beautifully showcase both French republican values and local Polynesian traditions.

The highlight is the fusion of cultures, featuring flag ceremonies, speeches from local dignitaries (from the kings to church authorities) and cultural performances. It's a fascinating display of how two distinct cultures can harmoniously come together.

We recommend heading to the Royal Palace in Mata'Utu, the capital, for all the main action and ceremony.

The festival is free to attend, though respectful behaviour and appropriate dress are expected. During the ceremonial parts, you'll need to remain seated.

The event is held on 14th July, but check out the Wallis et Futuna Tourisme's website for the upcoming dates.

Just two weeks after National Day, you'll find another celebration that's equally special – Territory Day on 29th July. This day commemorates something quite unique: Wallis & Futuna's status as a French overseas collectivity, which essentially means the islands enjoy a special relationship with France while maintaining their own cultural identity.

What makes Territory Day particularly meaningful is how it celebrates the territory's autonomy within France. You'll discover that this isn't just about politics – it's a celebration of the traditional kingdoms that still play a vital role in island life today.

The festivities follow a similar pattern to National Day, and you'll love the authentic cultural experiences on offer. Traditional gift-giving ceremonies honour the local authorities – particularly the kings and bishops who hold important positions in island society.

Don't miss the kava ceremony, which brings communities together in true Pacific tradition. The cultural dance performances are absolutely spectacular, with performers dressed in traditional garb that tells the story of the islands' rich heritage.

Territory Day officially takes place on 29th July, but we recommend checking Wallis et Futuna Tourisme's website for the most up-to-date programme and timing details.

This is hands down the biggest celebration in Futuna with the locals honouring Saint Pierre Chanel with festivities at the Poï Basilica.

The story behind this special day is both inspiring and tragic. In 1837, Pierre Chanel arrived as a missionary but was killed by the island's chief in 1841 when his teachings threatened local authority. Chanel was declared a martyr in 1889 and became a Roman Catholic saint in 1954. Today, he's the patron saint of Wallis and Futuna and all of Oceania.

You'll love how the locals celebrate this meaningful day on 28 April. Families gather to roast pigs, enjoy traditional feasts that'll make your mouth water, and watch captivating dance performances. The festivities often last most of the day (what's not to love about that?), and you might also hear special Catholic masses celebrating Chanel's remarkable legacy.

Saint Pierre Chanel is on 28th April and you can learn more about the event on the Wallis et Futuna Tourisme's website.

If you're lucky enough to be on Wallis around 5th August, you'll witness the Assumption of Mary, a major Catholic festival where the central district of Hahake puts on an absolutely unforgettable show.

The festivities follow a beautiful traditional pattern that begins with a solemn mass, setting the spiritual tone for the day.

What follows is traditional gift-giving ceremonies where locals present classic offerings like whole pigs and beautifully woven mats or tapa cloth (these intricate bark cloth creations are works of art in themselves).

The celebration continues with a traditional kava ceremony, followed by mesmerising dance performances.

Don't miss this if you're visiting on 5th August - it's a rare opportunity to witness authentic Pacific culture in all its glory. We recommend checking Wallis et Futuna Tourisme's website for the most up-to-date programme and timing details.

Another authentic cultural experience that perfectly captures the heart of Wallis, St Joseph's Day celebrations take place in the southern district of Mu'a on 1st May.

How can you not be delighted by how this festival showcases the beautiful blend of Catholic and Polynesian traditions with such remarkable grandeur?

You'll love the day's festivities, which kick off with traditional Catholic mass before moving into ceremonial kava drinking alongside local royalty (a truly special honour for visitors). The celebration continues with mesmerising traditional dances and culminates in a communal lunch prepared in traditional earth ovens.

Needless to say, you'll find the festivities taking place outside of the Église du Saint Joseph.

St Joseph's Day is on the 1st May. As always, check the Wallis et Futuna Tourisme's website for details.

Saint Pierre and Saint Paul Day is Hihifo's chance to shine, hosting a spectacular celebration of culture and faith on 28th June right outside the beautiful Église of Saint Pierre and Saint Paul.

This follows the same heartwarming traditional format as other district celebrations throughout the islands, with a morning Catholic mass to honour the patron saint.

Following the service, you'll witness a traditional kava ceremony where local royalty and the king often participate. The cultural performances are absolutely captivating.

Then, don't miss the community feast, where lunch is lovingly prepared in traditional umu (earth ovens) and offered completely free to everyone, including visitors.

If you miss out on the biggest festivals of the islands listed above, don't worry. You have plenty more opportunities for authentic cultural experiences on both Wallis and Futuna.

Each village has its own patron saint, which means there are festivities in 21 villages on Wallis and 11 on Futuna. These aren't tourist shows; they're the real deal.

According to locals, each celebration includes a "big traditional ceremony, with the mess, with dances, with everything," and we can confirm they're absolutely authentic cultural experiences that you won't find anywhere else.

While Village Saint Days happen from February to December, most take place between June and September during the dry season. We recommend checking Wallis et Futuna Tourisme's website for the most up-to-date programme and timing details so you can plan your visit around these special celebrations.

Every two years during Assumption week, Wallis comes alive with the Manatai watersports festival. This bi-annual kitesurfing celebration draws about 80 participants to Wallis, with organisers proudly calling it "THE event to come to Wallis for."

The week-long festival is all about watersports and what the French call glisse culture (essentially the art of gliding on water). You'll find kitesurfing taking centre stage, but there's plenty more to get excited about.

Windsurfing and wingfoil enthusiasts will be right at home, while traditional outrigger canoe racing adds a beautiful touch of local Wallisian heritage to the mix.

The festival has a roaming format; events move to different spots around the island each day, so you'll get to explore various coastal gems. Plus, the evening entertainment keeps the energy flowing with parties and social events alongside the sporting competitions.

Manatai usually takes place in August. For the most up-to-date programme and timing details, check out Wallis et Futuna Tourisme's website.

The Grand Christmas Fair is one of the most magical events in Wallis. This two-day extravaganza in mid-December brings together the best of both worlds: a bustling marketplace and a vibrant cultural festival.

What makes this event so special is the incredible mix of people who come together. You'll meet regional guests from across the Pacific, watch traditional dance groups perform, and enjoy cultural performances that'll give you goosebumps (in the best possible way).

Don't miss the chance to pick up some gorgeous local crafts while you're there. From what we've experienced, it's the perfect opportunity to find unique souvenirs whilst immersing yourself in the local culture.

The event takes place in mid-December, so stay tuned on the Wallis et Futuna Tourisme's website.

Finally, the vibrant market scene in Wallis and Futuna offers visitors a wonderful glimpse into local life and culture. Local organisations like the Chamber of Commerce organise several markets throughout the year.

Here's what you can look forward to:

• Mother's Day Market (end of May) - A charming celebration of motherhood with local crafts and treats.
• Father's Day Market (end of June) - Perfect for finding unique local gifts and products.
• Healthy Food Market (end of September) - We're big fans of this one! Fresh produce and wholesome local foods take centre stage.
• Young Entrepreneurs Gathering (end of October) - An inspiring event where children aged six to 17 sell their creations and showcase local innovations.
• Grand Christmas Fair (see listing above)

Once again, look for updates on the Wallis et Futuna Tourisme's website.