Washington's Birthday in American Samoa
American Samoa observes Washington's Birthday as an official federal and territorial public holiday on the third Monday of February. The day honors the legacy of the first United States president across the South Pacific archipelago. Residents frequently use the three-day weekend for family gatherings and coastal leisure activities.
History and Federal Alignment
Washington's Birthday was first established by the United States Congress in 1879 to commemorate George Washington. Following the Uniform Monday Holiday Act in 1971, the observance shifted to the third Monday of February. As an unincorporated territory of the United States, American Samoa incorporates federal statutory holidays into its territorial public calendar through executive proclamation and local statute.
Local Observances and Island Feasts
Across Tutuila and the Manuʻa Islands, the holiday centers on community life and family connection rather than formal patriotic parades. Extended families gather for traditional Sunday and Monday meals featuring roast pork cooked in the umu earth oven, fresh fish, taro, and coconut-based dishes like palusami. Church functions and outdoor recreation at popular beaches form the core of local holiday pastimes.
Public Closures and Travel Impact
All territorial government departments, federal administrative offices, courts, public schools, and commercial banks remain closed on the holiday. Local public transit, known as aiga buses, operates on reduced frequency between villages and Pago Pago. Inter-island ferries and commercial flights to neighboring Samoa run on standard or holiday schedules, though advance booking is advisable due to domestic weekend travel.
Questions About Washington's Birthday
Are government offices open on Washington's Birthday in American Samoa?
No, all federal and American Samoa Government offices, public schools, and territorial courts are closed.
Do private stores and restaurants remain open?
Most independent grocery markets, retail shops, and restaurants stay open, though some operate with reduced business hours.