Custom Chief’s Day (Vanuatu)

Custom Chief’s Day is national annual public holiday in the Republic of Vanuatu, this day celebrates and preserves traditional tribal customs observed on many islands and recognises the commitment and leadership of the chiefs. The day is celebrated with local food, traditional singing and dances. Though customs differ from island to island, the chief is recognised as the uppermost figure in a community. In 1977 a National Council of Chiefs (Malvatu Mauri) was established by the government to advise on ways to preserve traditional ways of life.