Fête des chefs coutumiers in Vanuatu
Fête des chefs coutumiers, also called Custom Chief’s Day or Chiefs Day, is a national public holiday in Vanuatu on 5 March. Vanuatu’s holiday law lists the day, while the Ministry of Justice and Community Services describes it as a celebration of chiefs and the customs, values and cultural heritage they help preserve.[1][2]
A public holiday set by law
Vanuatu’s Public Holidays Act [CAP. 114] names Custom Chief’s Day and fixes it on 5 March. The Act also says that when a listed public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is a public holiday. It authorizes the President, acting on the Prime Minister’s advice, to declare additional public holidays.[1]
The law does not itself require shops to close every public holiday. It gives the President power to order stores, shops and other businesses to close on a holiday, and specifies limited exceptions for certain sales and refreshments. Check with a particular business or service before making plans.[1]
What the day recognizes
The Ministry of Justice and Community Services describes Chiefs Day as honoring chiefs and their contribution to preserving Vanuatu’s customs and values. It connects the day with the country’s cultural heritage, traditional leadership and customs, languages and rituals passed down through generations.[2]
The Ministry also presents the holiday as a moment for community unity and for recognizing shared values and traditions.[2]
Planning around the holiday
The Government of Vanuatu lists Custom Chief’s Day as a national holiday, and the Public Holidays Act provides for specific business-closure orders. Check directly with the service you plan to use before making plans.[1][3]
The statute’s Sunday rule means a Sunday observance is followed by a public holiday on Monday. This is a general legal provision; check official announcements and local service notices for practical arrangements.[1]
Frequently asked questions
When is Fête des chefs coutumiers?
It is listed on 5 March. The Government of Vanuatu identifies it as Custom Chief’s Day, also called Fête des chefs coutumiers.[3]
Is it a public holiday?
If 5 March falls on a Sunday, is Monday also a holiday?
Yes. The Public Holidays Act says that when a listed holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is a public holiday.[1]
Will banks, shops and transport services be open?
Schedules may vary. The Act allows an order requiring stores and other businesses to close. Check bank and transport schedules directly.[1]
What does the holiday recognize?
The Ministry of Justice and Community Services describes it as honoring chiefs and their role in preserving Vanuatu’s customs, values and cultural heritage.[2]
Sources and references
Sources used for Fête des chefs coutumiers in Vanuatu:
- PUBLIC HOLIDAYS [CAP. 114]- Government of Vanuatu
- UNITING TO PROTECT AND PROMOTE VANUATU’S CUSTOM RESILIENT SPIRIT- Ministry of Justice and Community Services, Republic of Vanuatu
- Holidays- Government of Vanuatu