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Tuvalu Day
Tuvalu

Tuvalu Day 2024, 2025 and 2026

October 1 is Tuvalu Day. Tuvalu Day is Tuvalu’s independence day and it’s only truly national patriotic celebration each year.

YearDateDayHoliday
20241 OctTueTuvalu Day
2 OctWedTuvalu Day Holiday
20251 OctWedTuvalu Day
2 OctThuTuvalu Day Holiday
20261 OctThuTuvalu Day
2 OctFriTuvalu Day Holiday
20271 OctFriTuvalu Day
2 OctSatTuvalu Day Holiday
4 OctMonTuvalu Day Holiday
Please scroll down to end of page for previous years' dates.

Tuvalu has been inhabited by Polynesians for several thousand years, but it was only in the 1800’s that its islands were discovered and colonised by the British Empire. For a long time, the UK called this Pacific Ocean archipelago the Ellice Islands, but upon independence, the inhabitants renamed them Tuvalu, meaning “eight islands”. The name came from the fact that there are eight inhabited islands in the country.

During the Second World War, Tuvalu was critical to the Allied cause because the islands provided invaluable air bases that helped to defeat the Japanese.

Independence didn’t come until 1 October 1978. And Tuvalu remains a part of the British Commonwealth to this day.

Both the first and second days in October are scene to independence celebrations in Tuvalu. The main events take place in the capital, Funafuti, where there is a parade and an official flag-hoisting ceremony. However, there are other ceremonies and special events held all over the country on Tuvalu Day. Feasting, dancing, and sports events go on for several consecutive days this time of year.

Previous Years

YearDateDayHoliday
20231 OctSunTuvalu Day
2 OctMonTuvalu Day Holiday
3 OctTueTuvalu Day Holiday
20221 OctSatTuvalu Day
3 OctMonTuvalu Day Holiday