Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea : Public Holidays and Bank Holidays 2025 2026 2027

Public Holidays in Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea observes a variety of public holidays that reflect its cultural heritage, historical milestones, and religious traditions. These holidays provide an opportunity for the people to honor their past leaders, celebrate independence, and participate in religious observances and community activities.

• New Year's Day

  • Origin & Significance: Celebrates the start of the new calendar year, symbolizing new beginnings.
  • Date & Observance: January 1st; marked by family gatherings, festivities, and often public celebrations.

• Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare Remembrance Day

  • Origin & Significance: Honors Sir Michael Somare, the founding father and first Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea.
  • Date & Observance: February 26th; commemorated through official ceremonies and reflections on his contributions.

• Good Friday

  • Origin & Significance: A Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
  • Date & Observance: Variable date in March or April; observed with church services and solemn reflection.

• Easter Sunday

  • Origin & Significance: Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a key event in Christianity.
  • Date & Observance: Follows Good Friday; marked by church services, feasting, and family activities.

• Easter Monday

  • Origin & Significance: The day after Easter Sunday, continuing the Easter celebrations.
  • Date & Observance: Variable date in March or April; often a day for relaxation and social gatherings.

• King's Birthday

  • Origin & Significance: Celebrates the reigning monarch’s official birthday, reflecting Papua New Guinea’s ties to the Commonwealth.
  • Date & Observance: Celebrated on the second Monday in June; marked by official events and public holidays.

• Papua New Guinea Remembrance Day

  • Origin & Significance: Commemorates those who served and sacrificed their lives in wartime.
  • Date & Observance: July 23rd; observed with ceremonies and moments of silence.

• National Repentance Day

  • Origin & Significance: A day for national reflection, repentance, and prayer.
  • Date & Observance: August 26th; characterized by religious events and community gatherings.

• Independence Day

  • Origin & Significance: Marks Papua New Guinea’s independence from Australia in 1975.
  • Date & Observance: September 16th; celebrated with parades, cultural performances, and festivities.

• Christmas Day

  • Origin & Significance: Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
  • Date & Observance: December 25th; marked by church services, family gatherings, and gift-giving.

• Boxing Day

  • Origin & Significance: Traditionally a day to give gifts to service workers and the less fortunate.
  • Date & Observance: December 26th; often observed with family events and sporting activities.

• Boxing Day (observed)

  • Origin & Significance: When Boxing Day falls on a weekend, the following weekday is observed as a public holiday.
  • Date & Observance: Observed the day after Boxing Day if it falls on a weekend; similar traditions to Boxing Day.

Site officiel de référence

• Government of Papua New Guinea - Public Holidays