Easter Monday in Wallis and Futuna
Easter Monday is an official public holiday in Wallis and Futuna. Its place in the territory’s calendar reflects both the French administrative framework and the importance of Catholic religious observance in local life.[1][3]
A public holiday with a local legal context
The prefect’s annual holiday order includes Easter Monday in the territory’s list of public holidays. The territory’s interprofessional agreement also names it as a legal holiday. That agreement separately identifies eight holidays as non-working and paid; Easter Monday is not among those eight, so every private-sector employee is not guaranteed a paid day off.[1][2]
There is no general substitute-day rule for Easter Monday. Check the applicable annual order and employment arrangements for any specific closure or compensation terms.[1][2]
A Christian observance in the islands
Easter Monday follows Easter Sunday, the Christian celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus. Catholic missionaries reached Wallis and Futuna in 1837, and Catholic religious observances remain an important part of life in the territory.[3][4]
Government cultural information describes Mass on important feast days, and says that some celebrations are followed by a kava ceremony, a katoaga, or traditional dances. These practices are not established specifically for Easter Monday or uniformly across Wallis and Futuna.[3]
What visitors can expect
The annual public-holiday listing confirms Easter Monday’s status. Check opening hours and service schedules with the relevant organization or operator before making plans.[1]
A particular Easter Monday meal, island-specific custom, or public event is not established. Traditions such as the umu feast described in some general accounts should not be assumed to be part of this holiday without local confirmation.[3]
Frequently asked questions
Is Easter Monday a public holiday in Wallis and Futuna?
Yes. The prefect’s annual holiday order lists Easter Monday as a public holiday in the territory.[1]
Does every worker get a paid day off?
The interprofessional agreement identifies Easter Monday as a legal holiday, but its separate list of eight holidays guaranteed as non-working and paid does not include it. Check the relevant employment terms for your workplace.[2]
Are businesses and public services open?
Check directly with offices, businesses, and transport operators before travelling.[1]
Are there Easter Monday customs or foods unique to the territory?
Mass is celebrated on important feast days, and some are followed by a kava ceremony, a katoaga, or traditional dances. These practices are not identified specifically with Easter Monday.[3]
Sources and references
Sources used for Easter Monday in Wallis & Futuna:
- 2025 - Calendrier des ponts et jours fériés- Les services de l'État et du Territoire à Wallis et Futuna
- ACCORD INTERPROFESSIONNEL TERRITORIAL- Les services de l'État et du Territoire à Wallis et Futuna
- Wallis et Futuna - Presentation- Wallis and Futuna Tourism Office
- Lineamenta for the Special Assembly for Oceania- The Holy See