All Saints’ Day in Wallis and Futuna
All Saints’ Day is observed on November 1 and is listed as a public holiday in Wallis and Futuna. The territory’s official holiday order identifies it as a day off with pay. Catholic life and religious gatherings are part of the territory’s culture.[1][2][3]
Date and legal status
All Saints’ Day falls on November 1 each year. The territorial administration’s order for 2025 includes Toussaint among the territory’s legal holidays and identifies the listed holidays as days off with pay.[1]
The order names November 1 as the holiday date. It does not describe a general substitute-day rule, so travellers should check official notices for any separate closure or service arrangements.[1]
A Catholic setting
All Saints’ Day is a Catholic solemnity honouring the saints. The Vatican distinguishes it from the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed on November 2, while noting the days’ shared connection to Christian prayer and remembrance.[2]
Catholicism has a long history in Wallis and Futuna. The territorial administration says Marist missionaries established a lasting presence from 1837 and that their work, including Pierre Chanel’s mission on Futuna, led to the population’s evangelisation by 1840.[3]
Religious life and local observances
The territory’s tourism office describes Catholic religion as an important part of everyday life in Wallis and Futuna. It says important occasions and feast days are marked by Mass, followed by a kava ceremony, a katoaga in which gifts are shared, and traditional dances.[4]
These activities are described for feast days generally and should not be assumed to apply specifically to All Saints’ Day.[4]
Practical planning
Because the official order classifies Toussaint among the holidays that are days off with pay, work schedules may differ from an ordinary day. The order does not specify the opening hours of government offices, schools, banks, shops, restaurants, or transport services, so confirm directly with each provider before making plans.[1]
Wallis and Futuna has religious sites on both islands, including the cathedral at Mata’Utu on Wallis and the basilica at Poi on Futuna. These are listed by the territory’s tourism office as prominent churches; the cited sources do not publish an All Saints service programme for either location.[4]
Frequently asked questions
When is All Saints’ Day in Wallis and Futuna?
It is observed on November 1 each year. The order does not describe a general substitute-day rule.[1]
Is it a public holiday and a paid day off?
Yes. The territorial holiday order lists Toussaint as a legal holiday and identifies the holidays in its list as days off with pay.[1]
Will shops, banks, or transport services be open?
Check with the business or operator directly before travelling or relying on a service.[1]
Are grave visits and candle lighting established local customs?
Ask local residents or a parish before treating grave visits or candle lighting as established All Saints’ Day customs in Wallis and Futuna.
Sources and references
Sources used for All Saints' Day in Wallis & Futuna:
- Arrêté n°2026-04 fixant les jours fériés, chômés et payés au cours de l’année 2025- Les services de l'État et du Territoire à Wallis et Futuna
- Angelus, 1st November 2011, Solemnity of All Saints- The Holy See
- Présentation générale- Les services de l'État et du Territoire à Wallis et Futuna
- Les églises- Tourisme à Wallis et Futuna