Vanuatu Public Holidays 2026
Vanuatu has 15 public holidays and 0 observances in 2026. Explore the full holiday calendar below.
All Holidays
| Date | Day | Name | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thu | New Year's Day | public | |
| Sat | Mémoire du pÚre de l'indépendance Rév. Dr. W.H. Lini | public | |
| Thu | FĂȘte des chefs coutumiers | public | |
| Fri | Good Friday | public | |
| Mon | Easter Monday | public | |
| Fri | Labour Day | public | |
| Thu | Ascension Day | public | |
| Fri | Journée Mondiale des Enfants | public | |
| Thu | Independence Day | public | |
| Sat | Assumption | public | |
| Mon | Constitution Day | public | |
| Thu | Jour de l'Unité | public | |
| Fri | Christmas Day | public | |
| Sat | FĂȘte de Famille | public | |
| Sun | Public Holiday | public |
About Vanuatu's Holidays
Vanuatu mixes national, public, and cultural holidays. The biggest national day marks independence and brings official ceremonies, parades, speeches, and flag raising. Many public holidays follow the Christian calendar and are observed across the islands.
Local culture plays a huge role. Island communities celebrate kastom with dance, music, and traditional dress. Chiefs, churches, and families lead rituals that honor ancestors, land, and community ties. Holidays are times for markets, feasts, gift giving, and visiting relatives, so people travel between islands and join large communal gatherings.
Holiday Traditions
In Vanuatu, holidays bring strong kastom traditions. Families dress in woven mats or skirts and meet elders for blessings. Church services and respect for chiefs are common. Songs, drum rhythms and storytelling keep old customs alive.
Food is central to celebration. Big feasts feature laplap, roasted yam, coconut dishes and fresh fish. Communities share plates and cook on earth ovens. Kava is sipped in the nakamal as people chat and honor guests.
Public celebrations blend modern fun with tradition. Villages host dances, parades and market days. Children watch fireworks or flag events, while visitors see colorful costumes, music and warm, open hospitality from everyone.
Travel Tips
The holiday season in Vanuatu means many banks, government offices and some shops close for several days. Tourist areas stay open more, but expect shorter opening hours. Carry cash because ATMs can run out and closed services limit card use.
Flights and ferries get busy and more expensive. Book planes, boats and places to stay well ahead. Public transport may run less often and taxis can be scarce when events end, so plan transfers and allow extra time between connections.
Local festivals bring crowds and a friendly atmosphere. Be respectful at community events and church services. Pack basic medicines, travel insurance and a printed copy of your important documents in case offices or clinics are closed.