Armistice Day in French Polynesia
Armistice Day falls on November 11 in French Polynesia and is listed as a public holiday in the territory’s labor code. The date recalls the 1918 armistice and, in French Polynesia, also invites remembrance of Tahitians who served during the First World War.[1][3]
A public holiday on a fixed date
French Polynesia’s labor code recognizes November 11 as Armistice Day. The date remains November 11 when it falls on a weekend; the official calendar lists no substitute day.[1]
Recognition as a public holiday does not by itself establish that every employee has a paid day off. The Directorate of Labor points to sector-specific rules on whether holidays are non-working and paid, so the applicable collective agreement and workplace arrangements matter.[1]
Remembering Tahiti’s First World War generation
The armistice of November 11, 1918, ended the fighting of the First World War. The day’s remembrance later broadened in France to honor all who died for France across generations.[4]
French Polynesia’s connection is reflected in the story of the Poilus tahitiens. A historical exhibition preserved by the University of French Polynesia documents conscription in Tahiti and the service of Tahitians in the Army of the East, as well as the hardships of distance, illness and climate. It offers a local history behind the day’s military remembrance.[3]
Commemorations in the islands
Official government news archives have listed Armistice commemorations in Papeete and Taiarapu-Est. These examples show that remembrance is not limited to the capital.[2]
Planning around the holiday
The public-holiday listing does not provide a territory-wide schedule for shops, public services or transport. Since non-working arrangements can depend on sector and employer, residents and visitors should check directly with the office, business or transport operator they plan to use.[1]
Armistice Day in French Polynesia: FAQs
When is Armistice Day?
It is observed on November 11 each year. No substitute day is listed when the date falls on a weekend.[1]
Is it a public holiday?
Yes. The labor code recognizes November 11 as Armistice Day. Whether an employee has a non-working, paid day depends on the applicable sector rules and workplace arrangements.[1]
Where are commemorations held?
Government news archives have documented Armistice commemorations in Papeete and Taiarapu-Est. Check local announcements for current ceremony details.[2]
Are shops and transport open?
Check with individual shops and transport operators before making plans.
Sources and references
Sources used for Armistice Day in French Polynesia:
- Glossaire des fiches pratiques- Direction du travail de la Polynésie française
- novembre 2025 – Page 4- Présidence de la Polynésie française
- Poilus Tahitiens_PANNEAU 1 Poilus tahitiens introduction.pdf- ANA'ITE, Bibliothèque scientifique numérique polynésienne, Université de la Polynésie française
- 11 novembre 2019 : hommage à nos héros d’hier et d’aujourd’hui- Élysée, Présidence de la République française