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 values.

Public holidays are typically marked by church services, community gatherings (outside of the islands' main chapels), and traditional ceremonies with the presence of the islands' kings, as well as other authoritative figures.

Public holidays in Wallis and Futuna also mean 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.

© WallisandFutunaPocketGuide.com

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 several church services, processions and community worship, typically taking place both inside and outside of chapels (so expect temporary road closures while these events take place).

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.

Saint Pierre Chanel Day

Saint 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.

Labour Day

Labour 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.

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 in and around the island's magnificent chapels.

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.

Photography Fishing Tour

Tautai

from NZ$170

Book Now

No content available

Saints Pierre and Paul Day

Saints Pierre and Paul Day honours two of Christianity’s most important apostles: Saint Pierre 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, especially in the district of Hihifo in northern Wallis, 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.

No content available

Assumption of Mary

The Assumption of Mary (L'Assomption) 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, with the Hahake district of Wallis taking the lead in hosting a mass in the morning, followed by traditional offerings of pigs and woven mats presented to the authorities of the island.

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, of course. However, the two-day Grand Christmas Fair that takes place midway through December is the best way for visitors to experience the spirit of this time of the year with locals.

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, with 21 villages in Wallis and 11 villages in Futuna all hosting their own fêtes outside of their main chapels, usually on the day of their associated patron saint.

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. The best time to experience a katoaga is during the district celebrations in Hahake (Assumption of Mary), Hihifo (Saint Pierre and Paul Day) and Mua (Saint Joseph Day, which is not an official public holiday but takes place on 1st May).

Manatai

Manatai, typically held biannually in August, is a tournament featuring competitions in kitesurfing, windsurfing, wingfoil/windfoil and traditional outrigger canoe racing. It's a passion-driven, grassroots event with limited institutional backing but strong local effort.

The festival represents a unique mix of modern "glisse" (sliding sports) culture with traditional Pacific maritime sports, making it a distinctive cultural and sporting experience on one of the best lagoons in the world for paddle and kite sports.