Territory Day in Wallis and Futuna
Territory Day is observed on 29 July, the anniversary of the 1961 law that gave Wallis, Futuna, Alofi and their dependent islets the status of an overseas territory. The date is also listed among Wallis and Futuna’s local public holidays.[1][2]
Why 29 July matters
The day commemorates Law No. 61-814, dated 29 July 1961, which established the islands as the Territory of Wallis and Futuna and provided for administrative and financial autonomy. The law also recognizes the territory’s customary status and guarantees the population’s free exercise of religion and respect for customs within the limits set by law.[1]
The change followed a referendum on 27 December 1959. The French state’s general presentation says 94.37% of voters supported joining the French Republic as an overseas territory. The referendum and the later statute were separate steps: Territory Day marks the statute’s 29 July date.[2][1]
A public holiday and a paid day off
Territory Day is a local public holiday in Wallis and Futuna. The 2025 prefectural order lists 29 July as the Fête du Territoire, and the territory’s interprofessional agreement also includes 29 July among its public holidays and the eight days designated as paid non-working days.[3][4]
For private-sector employees, the agreement says that monthly or fixed-salary pay is maintained for a non-working public holiday when the worker meets its conditions: at least three months’ service, 200 hours of work in the preceding two months, and attendance on the last workday before and first workday after the holiday unless an absence was authorized. The agreement also sets a pay increase for employees who work on a public holiday observed as non-working by their employer.[4]
How the day is observed
Official accounts of celebrations in Wallis describe a ceremony to raise the flag, attended by state, political, customary and religious authorities. Some reported celebrations have begun with Mass at Mata-Utu Cathedral, followed by the ceremony at Mala’e Sagato Soane.[5][6]
Celebration programmes have also included a kava ceremony, a katoaga, traditional dances, a parade and sports events.[5][6]
What visitors can plan for
Check opening hours with the business or service, and transport times with the operator, before travelling.
Frequently asked questions
When is Territory Day?
Is Territory Day a day off?
Are shops, banks and public transport open?
Are there substitute days when 29 July falls on a weekend?
The holiday order states no general substitute-day rule; check the annual holiday notice for the year concerned.[3]
Sources and references
Sources used for Territory Day in Wallis & Futuna:
- 2. Statut 1961- Les services de l'État et du Territoire à Wallis et Futuna
- Présentation générale- Les services de l'État et du Territoire à Wallis et Futuna
- Arrêté jours fériés 2025- 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
- Fête du Territoire à Wallis-et-Futuna- Les services de l'État et du Territoire à Wallis et Futuna
- Fête du Territoire 29 juillet 2023- Les services de l'État et du Territoire à Wallis et Futuna