Victory Day in Wallis & Futuna
Victory Day, listed locally as “Victoire 1945,” is an official holiday in Wallis and Futuna on 8 May. The territory’s annual holiday order lists it among the public holidays designated as non-working and paid.[1]
An official holiday on 8 May
The territory’s annual holiday calendar identifies 8 May as “Victoire 1945.” The 2025 order lists it among the territory’s legal and national holidays and is titled as an order fixing holidays that are non-working and paid. It is issued by the Prefect, the territory’s senior administrator.[1]
The official calendar lists no substitute day. Check directly with a workplace, bank, shop, or transport operator before making plans.[1]
What the day commemorates
The name “Victoire 1945” connects the holiday to the 1945 Allied victory in Europe. Victory in Europe Day is marked on 8 May, the date associated with the end of hostilities in Europe during the Second World War; the war continued in the Pacific after that date.[1][3]
Wallis and Futuna had a distinct wartime experience. A study published in the Journal de la Société des Océanistes describes the territory’s political isolation and reports that no ship reached the islands for 17 months from January 1941. Wallis was then joined to Free France in 1942.[2]
Wartime changes on Wallis
The war’s local history included the arrival of American forces on Wallis. A teaching resource from the Wallis and Futuna education authority says that in June 1942, 2,000 American troops landed and built infrastructure including a port and a road. It also describes changes to work and local economic life during the American presence.[4]
These events give the date local historical context, but the holiday’s official name and listing do not establish that it commemorates a particular Wallis or Futuna wartime event. Check locally for details of Victory Day events or customs.[1][2][4]
Planning for the holiday
Check opening hours and travel arrangements locally, especially for appointments or travel between islands.[1]
Residents and visitors should rely on local announcements for any ceremonies or community events.[1][2][4]
Frequently asked questions
When is Victory Day in Wallis and Futuna?
It is observed on 8 May and appears in the official holiday calendar as “Victoire 1945.”[1]
Is Victory Day an official day off?
The territory’s annual order includes 8 May among holidays it designates as non-working and paid.[1]
Is there a substitute day when 8 May falls on a weekend?
The official calendar lists no observed or substitute day.[1]
Are shops, banks, or public transport open?
Check with individual businesses and service operators before travelling or visiting.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Victory Day in Wallis & Futuna:
- 2025 - Calendrier des ponts et jours fériés - Présentation de Wallis-et-Futuna - Actualités - Les services de l'État et du Territoire à Wallis et Futuna- Les services de l'État et du Territoire à Wallis et Futuna
- Le ralliement de Wallis à la « France libre » (1942)- Journal de la Société des Océanistes, hosted by Persée
- VE Day and VJ Day 80th anniversaries- UK Government
- Leçon Wallis et Futuna durant la seconde guerre mondiale. (Programme contextualisé)- Académie de Wallis-et-Futuna