King Tupou I Day is a public holiday in Tonga, and it is observed on December 4 each year. The holiday commemorates the birthday of George Tupou I, also known as Tāufaʻāhau I.
George Tupou I was the first king of modern Tonga. He was born on December 4, 1797, and died on February 18, 1893. In the early 19th century, there were civil wars in Tonga, and King Tupou I united Tonga into a kingdom.
He was converted to Christianity in 1831, and he turned Tonga into a Christian country after he took the King title in 1845. He was the king of Tonga from 1845 to 1893, and during his long reign, he formally adopted the Western royal style and emancipated serfdom in 1862.
In 1900, Tango became a protected state of the United Kingdom to avoid countries' invasion. In the next 70 years, Tonga maintained its sovereignty, but the United Kingdom looked after Tonga's foreign affairs. Tonga's protection status ended on June 4, 1970, when it gained independence.
When King Tupou I Day falls on a Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, it will be celebrated on the next following Monday; and it will be celebrated on the Monday before the holiday if it falls on a Tuesday or Wednesday.
The following is the list of King Tupou I Day in Tonga from 2022 to 2026.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
|---|---|---|
| King Tupou I Day | Dec 05, 2022 | Monday |
| King Tupou I Day | Dec 04, 2023 | Monday |
| King Tupou I Day | Dec 02, 2024 | Monday |
| King Tupou I Day | Dec 08, 2025 | Monday |
| King Tupou I Day | Dec 07, 2026 | Monday |
Please check more public holidays in the Kingdom of Tonga:
