French Polynesia is a beautiful group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean. People will have 14 public holidays in French Polynesia in 2025. These holidays celebrate the start of the new year, important events from history, and religious beliefs. The holidays let people see the special Polynesian way of living.
There are colorful parades, happy family gatherings, and respectful ceremonies to remember important people and events. The holidays allow people to take part in the proud traditions. Come along as we learn about the meaning and customs of each of these special days in French Polynesia.
Know More:- Holidays In French Guiana In 2025 |
Public Holidays In French Polynesia In 2025
In 2025, French Polynesia will have 14 days off that everyone can enjoy. Two of these days are Autonomy Day and All Saints’ Day, which occur on weekends. Below is a list of the public holidays in French Polynesia in 2025.
Holiday | Date | Weekday |
New Year’s Day | Jan 01, 2025 | Wednesday |
Missionary Day | Mar 05, 2025 | Wednesday |
Good Friday | Apr 18, 2025 | Friday |
Easter Monday | Apr 21, 2025 | Monday |
Labour Day | May 01, 2025 | Thursday |
Victory Day | May 08, 2025 | Thursday |
Ascension Day | May 29, 2025 | Thursday |
Whit Monday | Jun 09, 2025 | Monday |
Autonomy Day | Jun 29, 2025 | Sunday |
National Day | Jul 14, 2025 | Monday |
Assumption Day | Aug 15, 2025 | Friday |
All Saints’ Day | Nov 01, 2025 | Saturday |
Armistice Day | Nov 01, 2025 | Tuesday |
Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2025 | Thursday |
New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day in French Polynesia marks the beginning of a new year on the Gregorian calendar. It is a time for celebration, renewal, and resolutions for the year ahead.
Many families gather for feasts and cultural traditions, such as exchanging gifts and well wishes. The holiday is also an opportunity to reflect on the past year’s achievements and challenges and to look forward to new possibilities and goals for the future.
Missionary Day
Missionary Day marks the arrival of the first Protestant missionaries in French Polynesia on March 5, 1797. These missionaries played a significant role in introducing Christianity to the islands and influencing the local culture and society.
The holiday reminds us of the missionaries’ impact and the spread of Christianity in the region. It is often celebrated with religious services, cultural events, and discussions about the role of faith in the community.
Good Friday
Good Friday is a Christian holiday commemorating Jesus’ crucifixion. In French Polynesia, many Christians attend church services and engage in reflective activities to honor Jesus’ sacrifice.
Good Friday is typically solemn and sad, with some families choosing to fast or abstain from certain activities. It is an important part of the Easter celebration and represents a time of reflection and remembrance for believers.
Easter Monday
Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In French Polynesia, it is a holiday that allows for continued celebration and festivities after the solemn observance of Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
Many families gather for feasts, outdoor activities, and cultural events. The holiday is a joyful occasion that represents new beginnings and the hope of the resurrection.
Labour Day
Labour Day, also known as May Day or International Workers’ Day, is a celebration of the labor movement and workers’ rights. In French Polynesia, it is a day to honor workers’ contributions and their role in the economy and society.
There may be parades, rallies, and speeches by labor leaders and government officials. The holiday is also an opportunity for workers to gather, celebrate their achievements, and advocate for better working conditions and fair treatment.
Victory Day
Victory Day commemorates the surrender of Nazi Germany to the Allied forces in World War II on May 8, 1945. In French Polynesia, this holiday honors the sacrifices made by French and Allied soldiers during the war. It celebrates the victory over fascism and oppression.
There may be parades, memorial services, and events to educate the public, especially younger generations, about the significance of World War II and the importance of peace and freedom.
Ascension Day
Ascension Day is a Christian holiday that commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven, as described in the New Testament. In French Polynesia, many Christians attend church services and engage in religious activities to mark this significant event in the life of Jesus.
The holiday is often celebrated with feasts, gatherings, and cultural events that reflect the importance of faith and spiritual beliefs in the community.
Whit Monday
Whit Monday, also known as Pentecost Monday, is a Christian holiday that falls on the day after Pentecost Sunday. In French Polynesia, it is a continuation of the Pentecost celebrations, which mark the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles after the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The holiday may involve church services, cultural events, and family gatherings, reflecting the importance of faith and community in the islands.
Autonomy Day
Autonomy Day is a significant holiday in French Polynesia that celebrates the establishment of the territory’s autonomous status within the French Republic. On June 29, 1880, French Polynesia became an overseas territory with a degree of self-governance.
The holiday is an opportunity to commemorate the islands’ journey towards self-determination and to celebrate their unique cultural identity and traditions. There may be parades, artistic performances, and speeches by government officials highlighting the importance of autonomy and self-governance.
National Day
National Day, also known as Bastille Day, is a French national holiday commemorating the storming of the Bastille prison in Paris on July 14, 1789, a pivotal event in the French Revolution.
In French Polynesia, an overseas territory of France, the holiday is celebrated with parades, cultural events, and festivities that showcase the islands’ connection to French culture and history. It is also a day to celebrate the values of liberty, equality, and fraternity that were central to the French Revolution.
Assumption Day
Assumption Day is a Christian holiday that celebrates the Virgin Mary’s bodily assumption into heaven. In French Polynesia, many Catholics attend church services and engage in religious activities to honor the Virgin Mary. The holiday may also involve cultural events, processions, and celebrations that reflect the importance of faith and the Virgin Mary’s role in the local community.
All Saints’ Day
All Saints’ Day is a Christian holiday that honors and remembers all the saints and martyrs of the Church. In French Polynesia, many Catholics visit cemeteries and gravesites to pay respects to their deceased loved ones.
The holiday is a time for reflection, remembrance, and honoring the memory of those who have passed away. It may also involve church services, cultural events, and gatherings that celebrate the lives of those who have made significant contributions to the community.
Armistice Day
Armistice Day, also known as Veterans Day or Remembrance Day, commemorates the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. In French Polynesia, the holiday honors the sacrifices made by French and Allied soldiers during the war. It celebrates the value of peace and freedom.
Parades, memorial services, and events may educate the public about the significance of World War I and the importance of remembering those who served and sacrificed for their country.
Know More:- Holidays In France In 2025 |
Christmas Day
Christmas Day is a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. In French Polynesia, it is a time for families to gather, exchange gifts, attend church services, and participate in cultural and religious celebrations.
The holiday is often marked by feasts, decorations, and traditions that reflect the islands’ unique blend of Christian and indigenous cultural influences. It is a joyous occasion that brings communities together and celebrates the values of love, hope, and togetherness.