Public Holidays in Samoa in 2025 offer a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry and values of this Pacific island nation. These special days mark significant religious, artistic, and historical events that shaped Samoan society. From the joyous celebrations of New Year’s Day to the solemn observances of Good Friday and from the patriotic fervor of Independence Day to the unique traditions of Lotu a Tamaiti, each holiday tells a story of Samoa’s heritage and identity.
This article explores the meaning and customs associated with these holidays, providing insight into how Samoans come together to commemorate, reflect, and celebrate throughout the year 2025.
Public Holidays in Samoa in 2025
The following is the list of Public Holidays in Samoa in 2025
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
| New Year’s Day | Jan 01, 2025 | Wednesday |
| New Year’s Day Holiday | Jan 03, 2025 | Friday |
| Good Friday | Apr 18, 2025 | Friday |
| Day after Good Friday | Apr 19, 2025 | Saturday |
| Easter Monday | Apr 21, 2025 | Monday |
| Mother’s Day | May 12, 2025 | Monday |
| Independence Day | Jun 01, 2025 | Sunday |
| Independence Day Holiday | Jun 02, 2025 | Monday |
| Father’s Day | Aug 11, 2025 | Monday |
| Lotu a Tamaiti | Oct 13, 2025 | Monday |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2025 | Thursday |
| Boxing Day | Dec 26, 2025 | Friday |
New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day marks the beginning of the calendar year in Samoa. It’s a time for fresh starts, new resolutions, and hope for the future. Samoans typically celebrate with family gatherings, feasts, and church services.
Many individuals remain up until midnight on New Year’s Eve to celebrate with fireworks. The day is often filled with traditional Samoan customs, including the ‘ava ceremony, where a particular drink is shared among participants. People also exchange gifts and well-wishes for the coming year. It’s a day of joy, reflection, and looking forward to new opportunities and blessings in the year ahead.
New Year’s Day Holiday
The New Year’s Day Holiday in Samoa is an extension of the New Year’s Day celebrations. This additional day off allows Samoans to continue their festivities and spend more time with family and friends. It’s common for people to use this day for relaxation, beach outings, or continuing family gatherings.
Some families might organize picnics or barbecues. For others, it’s a day to recover from the previous night’s celebrations. Many businesses remain closed, giving workers an extra day of rest before returning to their regular routines. This holiday helps ease the transition into the new year and prolongs the festive atmosphere.
Good Friday
Good Friday is a significant Christian holiday in Samoa, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. As a predominantly Christian nation, Samoa observes this day with great reverence. Many Samoans attend church services, which often include reenactments of the Stations of the Cross.
Fasting, prayer, and contemplation of Jesus’s sacrifice mark Good Friday. Families may gather for quiet meals and scripture readings. Some communities hold processions or passion plays. Most businesses are closed, and the day has a solemn atmosphere. Good Friday is an integral part of the Easter weekend and prepares believers for the joy of Easter Sunday.
Day after Good Friday
The day after Good Friday, also known as Holy Saturday or Easter Saturday, is part of the Easter weekend in Samoa. While not as solemn as Good Friday, it’s still a day of preparation and anticipation for Easter Sunday. Many Samoan families use this time to prepare for Easter celebrations, including cooking traditional foods and decorating homes and churches.
Some people attend church services or vigils. It’s also a day for quiet reflection and family time. Children might participate in Easter egg decorating or other holiday-related activities. The day serves as a bridge between the solemnity of Good Friday and the joyous celebrations of Easter Sunday.
Easter Monday
Easter Monday is the final day of the Easter weekend celebrations in Samoa. It’s a public holiday that allows Samoans to extend their Easter festivities and enjoy an extra day of rest. Many families use this day for picnics, beach outings, or visiting relatives. Some communities organize Easter egg hunts or other fun activities for children. Churches may hold special services or gatherings.
Easter Monday is a time for relaxation and enjoying leftover Easter treats. The holiday also gives people a chance to reflect on the Easter message and its significance in their lives. After the critical religious observances, Easter Monday helps Samoans transition back to their regular routines.
Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day in Samoa is a special occasion to honor and appreciate mothers and mother figures. It’s celebrated on the second Sunday in May and is filled with love and gratitude. Children often prepare handmade gift cards or perform songs for their mothers.
Families may organize special meals or outings to show appreciation. Churches frequently hold special services acknowledging the role of mothers in the community. It’s common to see people wearing white flowers to honor living mothers or red flowers to remember those who have passed away. The day highlights the importance of mothers in Samoan culture and their vital role in families and society.
Independence Day
Samoa’s Independence Day, celebrated on June 1st, commemorates the country’s independence from New Zealand in 1962. It’s a day of national pride and celebration of Samoan culture and heritage. After a flag-raising ceremony, parades with traditional costumes, dances, and music follow.
Many communities organize festivals, sports events, and cultural performances. It’s common to see people wearing conventional Samoan attire and displaying the national flag. Families often gather for feasts featuring traditional Samoan dishes. The day is a reminder of Samoa’s journey to self-governance and an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s progress and future.
Independence Day Holiday
The Independence Day Holiday in Samoa is an extension of the Independence Day celebrations, typically observed on the following Monday if Independence Day falls on a weekend. This additional day off allows Samoans to continue their patriotic festivities and enjoy more time with family and friends.
Many people use this day for beach outings, picnics, or attending community events that may have been organized as part of the extended celebrations. It’s also a time for relaxation after the main Independence Day activities. Some businesses and organizations might host special events or promotions. This holiday helps prolong the spirit of national pride and unity fostered during Independence Day.
Father’s Day
Father’s Day in Samoa, typically celebrated on the second Sunday in August, is a day to honor fathers and father figures. Families often organize special meals or outings to show appreciation for dads. Children might prepare handmade gift cards or perform songs or dances for their fathers.
Many churches hold special services acknowledging the role of fathers in the community and family life. It’s common to see people wearing flowers or special attire to mark the occasion. The day highlights the importance of fathers in Samoan culture, recognizing their role in providing, protecting, and guiding their families. It’s a day of gratitude and strengthening family bonds.
Lotu a Tamaiti
Lotu a Tamaiti, also known as White Sunday or Children’s Day, is a unique Samoan holiday celebrated on the second Sunday of October. It’s a day dedicated to children and their place in the family, church, and community. Children dress in white and lead church services, performing songs dances, and reciting Bible verses.
Families prepare special meals and often give the children new clothes or gifts. It’s a day when children are treated with extra respect and indulgence. Lotu a Tamaiti emphasizes the importance of children in Samoan culture and encourages their participation in religious and cultural practices from an early age.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day in Samoa is a joyous celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. As a predominantly Christian nation, Samoa observes this day with great enthusiasm. Families attend special church services, often starting with early morning mass. The day is filled with feasting, gift-giving, and spending time with loved ones.
Traditional Samoan foods are prepared, and homes are decorated with Christmas trees and lights. Carol singing and nativity plays are standard. Despite the tropical climate, Samoan Christmas celebrations often incorporate Western traditions alongside local customs. It’s a time of peace, goodwill, and reflection on the religious significance of the day, as well as strengthening family and community bonds.
Boxing Day
Boxing Day, observed on December 26th, is a public holiday in Samoa that extends the Christmas celebrations. Traditionally, it was a day when employers would give gifts or “Christmas boxes” to their employees. In modern Samoa, it’s a day for relaxation, family gatherings, and enjoying leftover Christmas foods.
Many people use this day for beach outings, picnics, or visiting friends and relatives they couldn’t see on Christmas Day. Some stores may hold Boxing Day sales, although this is less common than in Western countries. The holiday provides Samoans with extra time to enjoy the festive season before returning to regular routines.