There are 14 public holidays in Vanuatu in 2023, three of which fall on weekends.
New Year's Day
New Year Holiday, celebrated on January 1, 2023, is the first day of the year on the modern Gregorian calendar, and it is one of the most popular holidays in the world.
Father Lini Day
Father Lini Day is a public holiday in Vanuatu, and it is observed on February 21, 2023. The holiday commemorates the death of Walter Hadye Lini, the first Prime Minister of Vanuatu.
Custom Chief's Day
Custom Chief's Day is a public holiday in Vanuatu, and it is observed on March 5, 2023. The holiday marks the important roles of tribal chiefs in Vanuatu.
Good Friday
Good Friday is a Christian holiday celebrating the crucifixion of Jesus and his death at Calvary. It is observed on Friday immediately preceding Easter Sunday, April 7, 2023.
Easter Monday
Easter Monday is to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, and it is the Monday after Easter Sunday. It is observed on April 10, 2023.
Labour Day
Labour Day is observed on May 1, 2023, and it celebrates the achievements of workers. The holiday originates in the eight-hour day movement, which is eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest.
Ascension Day
Also known as the Feast of the Ascension of Jesus Christ, Ascension Day commemorates the Christian belief in the bodily Ascension of Jesus into heaven. It falls on May 18, 2023.
Children's Day
Children's Day is a public holiday in Vanuatu, and it is observed on July 24, 2023. The holiday is in honor of children, promoting awareness and fighting child abuse.
Independence Day
Independence Day is a public holiday in Vanuatu, and it is observed on July 30, 2023. The holiday commemorates the anniversary of when Vanuatu gained its independence in 1980.
Assumption Day
Assumption Day commemorates the day that the bodily taking up of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, into Heaven. The holiday is observed on August 15, 2023.
Constitution Day
Constitution Day is a public holiday in Vanuatu, and it is observed on October 5, 2023. The holiday commemorates the anniversary when the Constitution of Vanuatu was enacted in 1979.
Unity Day
Constitution Day is a public holiday in Vanuatu, and it is observed on November 29, 2023. The holiday commemorates the events in 1977 which led to the loss of life.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25, 2023, and commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Christmas Day is a holiday of sharing. People exchange Christmas gifts and cards with families and friends.
Family Day
Family Day, observed on December 26, 2023, is a holiday to encourage people to spend time with families, and it is a holiday emphasizing the importance of family and celebrating family values.
The following is the list of public holidays in Vanuatu 2023.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Jan 01, 2023 | Sunday | Public Holiday |
| New Year's Holiday | Jan 02, 2023 | Monday | Observed |
| Father Lini Day | Feb 21, 2023 | Tuesday | Public Holiday |
| Custom Chief's Day | Mar 05, 2023 | Sunday | Public Holiday |
| Custom Chief's Day Holiday | Mar 06, 2023 | Monday | Observed |
| Good Friday | Apr 07, 2023 | Friday | Public Holiday |
| Easter Monday | Apr 10, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Labour Day | May 01, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Ascension Day | May 18, 2023 | Thursday | Public Holiday |
| Children's Day | Jul 24, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Independence Day | Jul 30, 2023 | Sunday | Public Holiday |
| Independence Day Holiday | Jul 31, 2023 | Monday | Observed |
| Assumption Day | Aug 15, 2023 | Tuesday | Public Holiday |
| Constitution Day | Oct 05, 2023 | Thursday | Public Holiday |
| Unity Day | Nov 29, 2023 | Wednesday | Public Holiday |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Family Day | Dec 26, 2023 | Tuesday | Public Holiday |
Please also check the working days in Vanuatu in 2023.