ANZAC Day 2025
Date: April 25, 2025 (Friday)
Country: Tonga Public Holidays
Description
ANZAC Day in Tonga is a day for remembering people who served and died in wars, especially the soldiers from Australia and New Zealand. It honors courage, sacrifice, and the cost of war for many families and communities.
ANZAC Day takes place every year on 25 April. The date marks the 1915 landing at Gallipoli in Turkey when soldiers from Australia and New Zealand fought together for the first time in a major campaign.
The day is significant in Tonga because of strong historical and personal ties with Australia and New Zealand. Tongans have lived, worked, and served alongside people from those countries, so ANZAC Day also recognizes shared history and regional friendship.
For many Tongans the day is a time to reflect on service and loss, and to remember how war shaped families and nations. It helps people think about peace and the value of working together.
Traditions
In Tonga people attend early morning memorial services at war memorials and cemeteries. Families and villagers stand quietly for a moment of silence, sing hymns and national songs, and sometimes listen to readings of names of the fallen.
After services there are wreath layings, floral crosses and church prayers. Community leaders, veterans and school groups may march or stand in formation. Flags are often flown and small band music can play to mark the occasion.
People gather for shared food and drink after the rituals. Traditional feasts from the umu earth oven are common, with cooked root vegetables, fish and roast meats. Kava and sweet treats are offered while families and friends talk and remember together.
Travel Tips
Many shops, banks and some restaurants close or open late. Public transport can run reduced schedules and roads near memorials may be blocked. Expect crowds in Nukualofa in the morning and plan extra travel time or walk when possible.
Join public events quietly and follow official instructions. Dress modestly and bring water, sun protection and ID. If you want to participate respectfully, visit memorial sites, lay flowers where allowed, or buy food and crafts from vendors who stay open to support the community.