Public Holidays in Wallis & Futuna (& Other Important Dates)

As a French overseas collectivity in the South Pacific, Wallis and Futuna observes a mix of French national holidays and important Catholic feast days, reflecting both its political ties to France and its deeply rooted Christian heritage.

Public holidays are typically marked by church services, community gatherings, traditional ceremonies and the closure of government offices and many businesses.

New Year’s Day

New Year’s Day marks the beginning of the calendar year and is celebrated across Wallis and Futuna with family gatherings, church services and community festivities.

As in mainland France, it is an official public holiday with most businesses and government offices closed. The evening before, families often gather for shared meals and celebrations, welcoming the new year together.

It is a time for reflection, renewal and setting intentions for the months ahead.

Easter Monday

Easter Monday is observed the day after Easter Sunday and is one of the most significant Christian celebrations in Wallis and Futuna. The territory has a strong Catholic tradition, and Holy Week is marked by church services, processions and community worship.

Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and Easter Monday provides an additional day for families to gather and celebrate. Many residents attend Mass and spend time with relatives.

St. Pierre Chanel Day

St. Pierre Chanel Day honours Saint Pierre Chanel, the Catholic missionary who was martyred in Futuna in 1841 and later became the patron saint of Oceania. His mission played a major role in the spread of Christianity throughout the islands.

The day is particularly significant in Futuna, where ceremonies, church services and cultural events are held in remembrance of his life and sacrifice. It is a deeply meaningful religious and cultural holiday for the territory.

Labor Day

Labor Day, also known as Fête du Travail, recognises workers and their contributions to society. As a French public holiday, it is officially observed in Wallis and Futuna.

In France, it is traditionally associated with labour rights and social movements, and while celebrations in Wallis and Futuna are generally more low-key, the day remains a public holiday with offices and many businesses closed.

Victory Day

Victory Day commemorates the end of World War II in Europe on 8 May 1945. As part of the French Republic, Wallis and Futuna observes this national day of remembrance. The holiday honours those who served and lost their lives during the war.

Official ceremonies and commemorations may take place, and public institutions close in recognition of the historical significance of the day.

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Ascension Day

Ascension Day is a Christian holiday celebrated 40 days after Easter Sunday. It commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven, according to the New Testament.

In Wallis and Futuna, where Catholicism plays a central role in daily life, Ascension Day is marked by special church services and community gatherings.

Whit Monday (Pentecost Monday)

Whit Monday follows Pentecost Sunday, which commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. The holiday is an important part of the Christian liturgical calendar and is widely observed in Wallis and Futuna.

Church services are held across the islands, reflecting the territory’s strong Catholic heritage.

Saints Peter and Paul Day

Saints Peter and Paul Day honours two of Christianity’s most important apostles: Saint Peter and Saint Paul. In Wallis and Futuna, this Catholic feast day is observed as a public holiday.

Religious services are the central focus of the day, with communities gathering in churches to commemorate the lives and contributions of these early Christian leaders. It is especially meaningful in a territory where faith and tradition remain deeply intertwined.

Bastille Day

Bastille Day is France’s National Day, commemorating the storming of the Bastille prison on 14 July 1789, a key event in the French Revolution. As a French overseas collectivity, Wallis and Futuna officially observes this national holiday.

Ceremonies and official events may be organised, and public offices close. The day symbolises liberty, equality and fraternity, the core values of the French Republic.

Territory Day

Territory Day commemorates Wallis and Futuna becoming a French overseas territory in 1961 following a referendum held in 1959. This day recognises the islands’ political status within the French Republic while maintaining their traditional kingdoms and customs.

Celebrations may include official ceremonies and community events, highlighting both the territory’s unique Polynesian identity and its connection to France.

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Assumption of Mary

The Assumption of Mary is a major Catholic feast day celebrating the belief that the Virgin Mary was assumed into heaven. Given the strong Catholic faith throughout Wallis and Futuna, this is one of the most important religious holidays of the year.

Special Masses and church celebrations take place across the islands, and many families gather afterward for shared meals.

All Saints' Day

All Saints’ Day honours all saints, known and unknown, in the Christian faith. In Wallis and Futuna, it is widely observed with church services and visits to cemeteries, where families clean and decorate graves in remembrance of loved ones.

The day reflects the territory’s deep religious traditions and strong sense of family and community.

Armistice Day

Armistice Day commemorates the end of World War I on 11 November 1918. As part of the French Republic, Wallis and Futuna observes this national day of remembrance. The holiday honours soldiers who lost their lives during the war.

Official ceremonies may be held, and public institutions close in recognition of the day’s historical significance and solemn remembrance.

Christmas Day

Christmas Day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is one of the most significant religious and family holidays in Wallis and Futuna. Celebrations begin with Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, followed by festive meals and gatherings with extended family.

Churches are central to the celebrations, reflecting the islands’ strong Catholic heritage.

Public holidays aren’t the only dates worth noting in Wallis and Futuna. Throughout the year, the islands host important religious, cultural and community events reflecting their strong Catholic faith and deeply rooted Polynesian traditions.

Many celebrations are organised at village level, often centred around churches, traditional kingdoms and customary ceremonies.

Uvea Day

Uvea Day celebrates the traditional Kingdom of Uvea (Wallis) and its chiefly system. The event highlights the island’s customary structure, including the Lavelua (king), chiefs and village representatives.

Ceremonies often include speeches, traditional presentations and community gatherings. It is an important occasion reaffirming cultural identity and the continued role of customary leadership alongside the French administrative system.

Katoaga (Traditional Ceremonial Feast)

A katoaga is a large customary feast held for significant events such as royal ceremonies, religious celebrations, official visits or major community milestones. During a katoaga, villages present food, mats, tapa cloth and other traditional gifts in highly structured exchanges.

The event features traditional dances, speeches and displays of respect between clans and chiefs. For visitors, witnessing a katoaga offers one of the most authentic cultural experiences in Wallis and Futuna.

Cultural Festivals (Lagimaina / Uvea Festival)

Cultural festivals such as Lagimaina and the Uvea Festival showcase traditional dance, music, crafts and storytelling. These events celebrate Polynesian heritage and bring together villages for performances and competitions.

Expect vibrant costumes, rhythmic drumming and community feasting. Festivals help preserve local language and customs while strengthening pride in Wallisian and Futunan identity.

Aircalin Manatai Cup

The Aircalin Manatai Cup, typically held in August, is a regional football (soccer) tournament involving teams from Wallis and Futuna and neighbouring Pacific territories. Supported by Aircalin, the competition promotes sporting exchange and regional friendship.

Matches draw strong local support, with communities turning out to cheer on their teams. Sport plays an important social role in the islands, particularly among youth.