Marshall Islands Public Holidays
Marshall Islands Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Marshall Islands? All public holidays in Marshall Islands are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Marshall Islands employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Marshall Islands and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
New Year’s Day (January 1)
Description
New Year’s Day, celebrated on January 1st, marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. This is a significant public holiday in the Marshall Islands, where people celebrate the start of the year with family gatherings, parties, and festivities. The holiday provides an opportunity for reflection on the previous year and making resolutions for the new year.
In the capital city, Majuro, public celebrations include fireworks, parades, and music performances. Many Marshallese people also attend church services to start the year with prayers for peace and prosperity. New Year’s Day in the Marshall Islands is a relaxed day filled with family time, community events, and festive meals.
Duration
New Year’s Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens of the Marshall Islands.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Constitution Day (May 1)
Description
Constitution Day, celebrated on May 1st, is a national holiday in the Marshall Islands that commemorates the adoption of the country’s constitution in 1979. This holiday marks the establishment of the Republic of the Marshall Islands as an independent nation. Constitution Day is a time to reflect on the country’s sovereignty, self-determination, and progress.
The day is typically observed with official ceremonies, including speeches by political leaders, flag-raising events, and cultural performances. It is a celebration of the country’s political achievements and a reminder of the importance of democracy and the rule of law in the country’s governance.
Duration
Constitution Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens of the Marshall Islands.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Independence Day (May 22)
Description
Independence Day in the Marshall Islands is celebrated on May 22nd, marking the day in 1979 when the country formally declared its independence from the United States. This is one of the most important public holidays in the country, as it reflects the Marshall Islands’ achievement of full sovereignty.
The day is observed with national pride and includes parades, cultural performances, community gatherings, and speeches by government officials. Independence Day is a time for the people of the Marshall Islands to reflect on their journey to independence and the struggles they faced to achieve it. The holiday is also a celebration of national unity and the island nation’s progress since gaining independence.
Duration
Independence Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens of the Marshall Islands.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Labor Day (First Monday in September)
Description
Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday in September, is a public holiday that honors the contributions of workers to the economic and social development of the country. The day is marked by festivities and public events organized by labor unions and civic organizations.
In the Marshall Islands, Labor Day is an occasion for workers to come together, participate in parades, and reflect on the importance of their contributions to society. Many people take the opportunity to rest, enjoy time with family, or participate in community events that highlight the value of labor and its role in the country’s development.
Duration
Labor Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens, particularly workers and union members.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)
Description
Thanksgiving Day, celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November, is a day of giving thanks for the harvest and blessings of the year. Although it has American origins, Thanksgiving is widely celebrated in the Marshall Islands as an opportunity to gather with family and friends and reflect on the things they are grateful for.
On this day, Marshallese people typically enjoy a festive meal with turkey, sweet potatoes, and other traditional dishes. Families gather for community events, church services, and social activities. Many people take the day off to spend time with loved ones, reflecting on the positive aspects of life and the importance of community.
Duration
Thanksgiving Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens of the Marshall Islands.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Christmas Day (December 25)
Description
Christmas Day, celebrated on December 25th, marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is an important religious holiday for Christians in the Marshall Islands. Christmas is celebrated with church services, festive meals, and family gatherings.
In the Marshall Islands, the holiday is marked by religious observances, where people attend church services to celebrate the birth of Christ. In addition to church activities, many families come together to share meals, exchange gifts, and enjoy the holiday spirit. The island is decorated with Christmas lights, and various public events are organized to celebrate this special occasion.
Duration
Christmas Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: Primarily Christians, though also observed by others.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
New Year’s Eve (December 31)
Description
New Year’s Eve, celebrated on December 31st, is the final day of the year and marks the transition to the new year. In the Marshall Islands, New Year’s Eve is a festive occasion, marked by parties, fireworks, and gatherings with family and friends. It is a day of reflection on the past year and a celebration of the opportunities and possibilities that the new year brings.
People in the Marshall Islands come together to celebrate with music, dancing, and communal meals. Public spaces may be adorned with decorations, and fireworks are set off at midnight to welcome the new year. The evening is typically spent in festivities, with the community sharing a sense of joy and anticipation for the year to come.
Duration
New Year’s Eve is typically a one-day holiday in the evening, with businesses, government offices, and schools closing early in preparation for the following day.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens of the Marshall Islands.
- Government Employees: Given the evening off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close, though essential services remain operational.
Table: Overview of Public Holidays in the Marshall Islands
| Public Holiday | Date | Duration | Groups Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | 1 day | General Public, Government Employees |
| Constitution Day | May 1 | 1 day | General Public |
| Independence Day | May 22 | 1 day | General Public |
| Labor Day | First Monday in September | 1 day | General Public, Workers |
| Thanksgiving Day | Fourth Thursday in November | 1 day | General Public |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | 1 day | General Public (Christians) |
| New Year’s Eve | December 31 | Evening | General Public |
