Vanuatu Unity Day

Vanuatu Unity Day

November 29

The nation of Vanuatu is an archipelago of 83 islands, 113 languages, and a host of different tribal groups. To celebrate the unification of differing groups into one nation, Unity Day was established on November 29. On that day in 1977, unrest in the islands, then under French-British administration, caused a great loss of life. Such internal division is something that present-day Vanuatu citizens do not want to see repeated.
To celebrate this day, representatives from all of Vanuatu's peoples come to the capital city of Port Vila. High chiefs from all the islands attend the festivities, which include performances by native dancers in their traditional dress and a parade. Music concerts and sporting events are also part of the celebration. Ordinary citizens usually observe the day with picnics or by camping. In 2004 President Kalkot Mataskelekele asked that church leaders spend an hour or two that day in special prayer for national unity.

CONTACTS:
Vanuatu Tourism Office—North America
995 Holly Ct.
Monteagle, TN 37356
931-924-5253; fax: 931-924-1866
www.vanuatutourism.com

Celebration day: Nov 29