Kiribati, a beautiful island nation in the central Pacific, is rich in culture and tradition. Throughout the year, its people celebrate various holidays and observances that reflect their values, beliefs, and communal spirit. From the joyful arrival of the New Year to the solemn reflection on Good Friday, each event offers a unique glimpse into the heart of Kiribati. Public holidays in Kiribati in 2025 will continue this tradition, providing special moments for both reflection and celebration.
Special days like Women’s Day and National Culture and Senior Citizens Day highlight the importance of gender equality and respect for elders, while National Health Day and Education Day focus on well-being and learning. These celebrations, blending traditional practices with contemporary values, showcase the resilience and vibrancy of Kiribati’s society.
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Public Holidays in Kiribati In 2025
The following is the list of public holidays in Kiribati in 2025.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
| New Year’s Day | January 1, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Women’s Day | Mar 08, 2025 | Saturday |
| National Health Day | Apr 07, 2025 | Monday |
| Good Friday | Apr 18, 2025 | Friday |
| Easter Monday | Apr 21, 2025 | Monday |
| Labour Day | May 01, 2025 | Thursday |
| Gospel Day | Jul 10, 2025 | Thursday |
| National Culture andSenior Citizens Day | Jul 11, 2025 | Friday |
| National Day | Jul 12, 2025 | Saturday |
| Kiribati Youth Day | Aug 07, 2025 | Thursday |
| Education Day | Oct 06, 2025 | Monday |
| Human Rights Day | Dec 11, 2025 | Thursday |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2025 | Thursday |
| Boxing Day | Dec 26, 2025 | Friday |
New Year’s Day (January 1, 2025)
Kiribati is the first to welcome the New Year because it is near the International Date Line. People celebrate with fireworks, parties, and family gatherings. It’s a time for fresh starts, making resolutions, and hoping for a better year ahead.
Women’s Day (Mar 08, 2025)
Women’s Day in Kiribati honors the achievements and contributions of women. It’s a day to recognize their roles in families and communities. Events may include speeches, and workshops on women’s rights, health, and education. Women share their stories to inspire others. The day also raises awareness about gender equality, domestic violence, and women’s health. It encourages men to support and respect women, promoting a more equal society.
National Health Day (Apr 07, 2025)
This day focuses on the health and well-being of Kiribati’s people. Activities include health screenings, fitness events, and talks on nutrition and disease prevention. It promotes a healthy lifestyle and raises awareness of health issues like diabetes and heart disease.
Good Friday (Apr 18, 2025)
Good Friday is a Christian holiday remembering Jesus Christ’s crucifixion. In Kiribati, people attend church services, fast, and reflect on Jesus’s sacrifice. It’s a solemn day of prayer and family time.
Easter Monday (Apr 21, 2025)
Following Easter Sunday, Easter Monday extends the holiday. Families gather for meals, often featuring traditional foods. Children enjoy egg hunts and games. It’s a joyful day, symbolizing new life and hope.
Labour Day (May 01, 2025)
Labour Day honors workers and their rights. In Kiribati, it’s a day off work to appreciate workers’ contributions to the country’s development. There might be parades, speeches about workers’ rights, or community events celebrating different professions.
Gospel Day (Jul 10, 2025)
Gospel Day marks the arrival of Christianity in Kiribati, celebrating the first missionaries who brought the Christian message in the 1800s. Churches hold special services, and people gather for feasts and cultural performances. It’s a day to remember how Christianity has influenced Kiribati’s culture and values. Communities might re-enact the missionaries’ arrival or share stories of early converts. It’s also a time to appreciate how traditional beliefs and Christianity have blended in Kiribati.
National Culture and Senior Citizens Day (Jul 11, 2025)
This day honors Kiribati’s rich culture and respects its elders. People wear traditional clothes, perform dances like the “fatele,” and display crafts. It’s a chance for youth to learn from elders about customs, stories, and skills like fishing or weaving. Senior citizens are celebrated with gifts and special meals. Their wisdom and life experiences are valued. Communities might organize storytelling sessions or workshops where elders teach traditional practices. It’s about preserving Kiribati’s heritage and showing love and care for the older generation.
National Day (Jul 12, 2025)
National Day celebrates Kiribati’s independence from the United Kingdom in 1979. It’s a day of national pride, with flag-raising ceremonies, parades, and speeches by leaders. People wear the colors of the flag (red, white, and blue) and enjoy traditional dances and music. Communities organize sports events, boat races, or re-enactments of historical events. It’s a time to remember the struggle for independence and to look forward to the nation’s future. Families gather for picnics or barbecues, sharing traditional foods like fish and coconut.
Kiribati Youth Day (Aug 07, 2025)
Youth Day focuses on the potential and energy of Kiribati’s young people. Schools and youth groups organize events like sports competitions, talent shows, or debates. It’s a day to discuss issues important to youth, like education, jobs, and climate change. Leaders might speak about youth empowerment and the importance of young voices in shaping the nation’s future. Youth volunteer in community projects, showing their commitment to Kiribati. The day encourages youth to take pride in their culture while also embracing new ideas for progress.
Education Day (Dec 11, 2025)
Education Day highlights the value of learning in Kiribati. Schools host open days, showcasing student work and performances. Teachers are honored for their dedication. There might be quiz contests, reading challenges, or science fairs to make learning fun. Leaders talk about improving schools and making education accessible to all.
Communities come together to support local schools, maybe by donating books or helping with school improvements. It’s a day to encourage lifelong learning, from early childhood to adult education. Parents are reminded of their role in supporting their children’s education.
Human Rights Day (Dec 25, 2025)
Human Rights Day in Kiribati promotes understanding and respect for everyone’s basic rights. Events might include workshops on topics like gender equality, children’s rights, or the rights of people with disabilities. There could be poster competitions or plays to teach about rights in a simple way.
Community leaders discuss how traditional values of respect and care align with human rights. It’s a day to speak up against discrimination and to ensure everyone in Kiribati can live with dignity. NGOs and government agencies may offer free legal advice or support services.
Christmas Day (Dec 25, 2025)
Christmas celebrates Jesus Christ’s birth. In Kiribati, it’s a joyful time of church services, gift-giving, and family feasts. Homes are decorated, and children sing carols. Traditional foods mix with Christmas treats. It’s a day of peace, love, and togetherness.
Boxing Day (Dec 25, 2025)
The day after Christmas, Boxing Day is for relaxation and more celebration. Traditionally, it was a day to give boxes of gifts to the poor. Now, it’s often spent with family, enjoying leftovers, playing games, or visiting friends. Some may go to the beach or watch sports.