Fête de Famille in Vanuatu

Legal status and date

Vanuatu’s Public Holidays Act [Cap. 114] names Family Day among the country’s public holidays. The Prime Minister’s Office also lists Family Day on 26 December, and the government’s holiday page gives the French name Fête de Famille.[1][2]

The Employment Act has a section specifically about work on public holidays. The available sources do not establish that every worker has the same arrangement, so employees should check their work schedule with their employer.[3]

What is known about the observance

Check local listings for details of ceremonies, family gatherings, regional customs, foods or public events for Fête de Famille.

Closures and practical planning

The holiday may affect opening hours, but the law does not automatically require every shop to close. It gives the President power to order stores, shops, and other businesses to close on a public holiday in specified places; the law also sets out exceptions for certain sales and refreshments. Check opening hours with shops and businesses before you go.[1]

Vanuatu Customs and Inland Revenue lists its public holiday hours as closed. Check directly with the business or service you plan to use, especially when arranging inter-island travel.[4]

How it fits into the calendar

Fête de Famille falls on 26 December, the day after Christmas Day in the government’s published holiday calendar. The 2006 consolidated edition of the Public Holidays Act includes a rule for a public holiday falling on Sunday. Check the current official calendar when planning for a particular date.[1][2]