Fiji Public Holidays
Fiji Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Fiji? All public holidays in Fiji are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Fiji employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Fiji and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
Fiji, a Pacific island nation known for its vibrant culture, beautiful landscapes, and rich history, celebrates a variety of public holidays throughout the year. These holidays reflect Fiji’s diverse cultural influences, including its indigenous Fijian heritage, Indian heritage brought by indentured laborers, and its colonial past as a British protectorate. The public holidays in Fiji include religious observances, national celebrations, and traditional festivals, many of which are celebrated by the entire population, while some cater to specific communities within the country. These holidays provide a time for reflection, cultural expression, and community gathering, offering a chance for Fijians to come together and celebrate their shared identity.
National Holidays in Fiji
1. New Year’s Day (New Year’s Day) – January 1
Date: January 1
Description: New Year’s Day in Fiji marks the first day of the year and is celebrated with a mix of traditions. Fijians often welcome the new year with family gatherings, parties, and fireworks. People reflect on the past year and set resolutions for the upcoming year. Most businesses, government offices, and schools are closed, and many Fijians attend church services or spend time with family. New Year’s Day is a public holiday throughout Fiji, with a festive and reflective atmosphere.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
2. Labour Day (Labour Day) – May 1
Date: May 1
Description: Labour Day in Fiji is celebrated to honor the contributions of workers and the labor movement. It is a day to reflect on workers’ rights, fair wages, and labor laws. On this day, various union groups and workers organize parades, rallies, and speeches across the country. Labour Day is a time to acknowledge the hard work of the people who contribute to Fiji’s economy, particularly in the fields of agriculture, tourism, and industry. It is a public holiday, and most businesses, schools, and government offices are closed for the day.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
3. Queen’s Birthday (Queen’s Birthday) – First Monday in June
Date: First Monday in June
Description: Queen’s Birthday is celebrated in Fiji to honor the birthday of the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom, Queen Elizabeth II. As Fiji was once a British colony, this holiday serves as a reminder of the country’s colonial past. The holiday includes official ceremonies, flag-raising events, and celebrations in honor of the British monarchy. While the day is observed with reverence, it is also an occasion for national pride, and the public enjoys a day off with various community events.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
4. Independence Day (Independence Day) – October 10
Date: October 10
Description: Independence Day is one of Fiji’s most important public holidays, as it marks the country’s independence from Britain on October 10, 1970. The holiday is celebrated with parades, ceremonies, and cultural performances that reflect the nation’s journey to sovereignty. The day is a time for Fijians to come together to honor their freedom and sovereignty. It is marked with speeches from political leaders, military displays, and traditional dances that reflect the diversity of Fijian culture.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
5. Christmas Day (Christmas Day) – December 25
Date: December 25
Description: Christmas Day is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in Fiji. It marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is a religious occasion for many Fijians, particularly those in the Christian community. The day is celebrated with church services, family gatherings, feasts, and exchanging of gifts. Traditional Fijian foods such as roasted meats, root vegetables, and tropical fruits are served. Christmas Day is a time for reflection, gratitude, and celebration, with most businesses and schools closed.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
6. Boxing Day (Boxing Day) – December 26
Date: December 26
Description: Boxing Day is observed the day after Christmas and is often seen as a continuation of Christmas celebrations. While it is not as widely celebrated as Christmas Day, Boxing Day in Fiji provides a chance to relax with family and friends, often enjoying leftovers from the Christmas feast. It is also a day when people visit relatives, attend community events, or engage in recreational activities. Many Fijians take this day to reflect on the year and relax after the festive celebrations of Christmas.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
Religious Holidays in Fiji
1. Good Friday (Good Friday) – Varies (March/April)
Date: Varies (March/April)
Description: Good Friday is a Christian holiday that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In Fiji, this day is marked by solemn religious observances, with many attending church services and participating in processions. Churches across the country hold special services to reflect on the meaning of Christ’s sacrifice. Good Friday is a public holiday in Fiji, and most businesses, schools, and government offices are closed. It is one of the most significant religious observances in the country.
Observance: Nationally, especially among Christian communities
Days Off: 1
2. Easter Sunday (Easter Sunday) – Varies (March/April)
Date: Varies (March/April)
Description: Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is one of the most important Christian holidays. In Fiji, Easter Sunday is celebrated with church services, family gatherings, and festive meals. The day is a time for rejoicing and giving thanks for the resurrection of Christ. Many Fijians attend church services, followed by communal meals with family and friends. Easter Sunday is a public holiday, and most businesses and government offices are closed.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
3. Diwali (Deepavali) – Varies (October/November)
Date: Varies (October/November)
Description: Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a major Hindu holiday celebrated by the Fijian Indian community. The holiday symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. In Fiji, Diwali is marked by the lighting of oil lamps, the bursting of fireworks, and the sharing of sweets. The day is also observed with prayers and religious ceremonies. Diwali is a public holiday for the Indian community in Fiji, and it is a time for socializing and celebrating cultural traditions.
Observance: Nationally, especially among Hindu communities
Days Off: 1
4. Eid al-Fitr (Eid al-Fitr) – Varies (May/June)
Date: Varies (May/June)
Description: Eid al-Fitr is a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims to mark the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. The holiday is a time for feasting, charity, and family gatherings. In Fiji, the Muslim community celebrates Eid al-Fitr with prayers at mosques, meals with family and friends, and giving to those in need. Eid al-Fitr is an official public holiday for the Muslim community, with businesses, schools, and government offices typically closed.
Observance: Nationally, especially among Muslim communities
Days Off: 1
5. Eid al-Adha (Eid al-Adha) – Varies (August)
Date: Varies (August)
Description: Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. In Fiji, Eid al-Adha is observed with prayers, sacrifices of animals (usually goats or sheep), and family gatherings. The meat from the sacrifice is distributed to family, friends, and those in need. Eid al-Adha is a public holiday for the Muslim community in Fiji, and it is marked by communal prayers and celebrations.
Observance: Nationally, especially among Muslim communities
Days Off: 1
Cultural and National Festivals in Fiji
1. Fiji Day (Fiji Day) – October 10
Date: October 10
Description: Fiji Day commemorates the day in 1970 when Fiji became an independent nation. It is a national holiday celebrated with pride and patriotism. The day is marked by various ceremonies, including flag-raising events, speeches, and cultural performances. It is a time for Fijians to reflect on their country’s journey to independence, the sacrifices made by earlier generations, and the progress the nation has made. Fiji Day is widely celebrated with public events, and it is a time for unity and national pride.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
2. National Youth Day (National Youth Day) – March 2
Date: March 2
Description: National Youth Day is dedicated to celebrating the contributions of young people to Fijian society. The day is observed with educational activities, discussions, and events that highlight the role of youth in the country’s future. Schools, youth organizations, and communities often host events focused on empowering young people and addressing issues that affect them. While not a public holiday for the entire nation, National Youth Day is widely celebrated by youth organizations and communities across the country.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: Not a public holiday, but widely observed
3. Traditional Fijian Festivals (Various Dates)
Date: Various Dates
Description: Fijian festivals, rooted in the traditions of the indigenous Fijian people, celebrate the country’s cultural heritage and traditions. These festivals include celebrations such as the Bula Festival in Nadi, the Hibiscus Festival in Suva, and various other events that showcase Fijian music, dance, crafts, and food. These festivals offer an opportunity for Fijians to come together and celebrate their cultural identity, often featuring traditional performances and social gatherings. While not formal public holidays, these cultural events are an important part of life in Fiji and are widely attended by the local population.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: Not a public holiday, but widely celebrated
Public Holidays Observance and Work Schedule
The following table shows the public holidays, the number of days off, and which groups of people observe the holidays.
| Holiday | Date | Days Off | Groups Observing |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day (New Year’s Day) | January 1 | 1 | Nationally |
| Labour Day (Labour Day) | May 1 | 1 | Nationally |
| Queen’s Birthday (Queen’s Birthday) | First Monday in June | 1 | Nationally |
| Independence Day (Independence Day) | October 10 | 1 | Nationally |
| Christmas Day (Christmas Day) | December 25 | 1 | Nationally |
| Boxing Day (Boxing Day) | December 26 | 1 | Nationally |
| Good Friday (Good Friday) | Varies (March/April) | 1 | Nationally |
| Easter Sunday (Easter Sunday) | Varies (March/April) | 1 | Nationally |
| Diwali (Deepavali) | Varies (October/November) | 1 | Hindu community |
| Eid al-Fitr (Eid al-Fitr) | Varies (May/June) | 1 | Muslim community |
| Eid al-Adha (Eid al-Adha) | Varies (August) | 1 | Muslim community |
| Fiji Day (Fiji Day) | October 10 | 1 | Nationally |
| National Youth Day (National Youth Day) | March 2 | Not official, widely celebrated | Nationally |
| Traditional Fijian Festivals (Various) | Various Dates | Not official, widely celebrated | Nationally |
