Custom Chief's Day is a national public holiday in Vanuatu. It celebrates the cultural leadership, traditions and authority of custom chiefs, respected figures who serve as guardians of traditional law (kastom) and community cohesion throughout the islands of Vanuatu.

When is Custom Chief's Day?

Custom Chief's Day is observed annually on March 5th.

The following is the list of Custom Chief's Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Custom Chief's Day?

Vanuatu is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, with over 100 Indigenous languages, and dozens of distinct cultural traditions and governance systems.

Even before colonization, chiefs were central figures in village and tribal governance. They maintained social order, resolved conflicts, protected land and lineage rights, and conducted sacred rituals.

After gaining independence in 1980, Vanuatu adopted a dual system of governance, where modern democratic structures coexist with customary leadership. To institutionalize this, the Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs (House of Chiefs) was formally established to advise the government on matters of custom and culture.

Recognizing their vital role in society, Custom Chief's Day was created as a public holiday to pay tribute to these traditional leaders.

March 5 marks the official inauguration of the National Council of Chiefs (Malvatumauri) in the early 1980s. This date was chosen to symbolize the unity between modern governance and traditional leadership, ensuring chiefs are honored alongside elected officials.