Custom Chief’s Day 2024 (Vanuatu): March 5 is observed annually as Customs Chief’s Day, a national holiday in the Republic of Vanuatu. This day honors the Malvatu Mauri, also known as the National Council of Chiefs, which was founded in 1977 with the mission of devising innovative strategies to safeguard the traditional Vanuatu way of life. The district councils of chiefs elect the tribal chiefs, whose main duty is to advise the government on matters about Vanuatu’s indigenous languages and culture. Despite lacking statutory authority, the government consistently appreciates their counsel.
The History of Custom Chief’s Day
The government of the Republic of Vanuatu established the Malvatu Mauri, also known as the National Council of Chiefs, in 1977 to devise strategies to safeguard the traditional Vanuatu way of life. The definition of “mal” is “chief.” The term “vatu” translates to “stone,” “island,” or “location,” whereas “mauri” denotes “a living thing.” The district councils of chiefs elect the chiefs, whose main duty is to advise the government on matters about Vanuatu’s indigenous languages and culture. Despite lacking statutory authority, the government consistently appreciates their counsel.
The archipelago of Vanuatu comprises more than eighty islands. A portion of the archipelago was contested between France and the United Kingdom in the 1880s. Following an agreement reached in 1906 between the two colonial powers to administer Vanuatu jointly via an Anglo-French condominium, the islands were subsequently renamed the New Hebrides. The New Hebrides achieved independence from colonial control on July 30, 1980. The date of its admission to the United Nations was September 15, 1981.
Throughout everything, the majority of Ni-Vanuatu refused to conform to European standards and adhered to their traditions. As a result, chiefs are acknowledged as the highest authority in every community. It was crucial, therefore, to institute a national day in their honor. The people of Vanuatu observe Custom Chiefs Day with a variety of festivities, including feasts, sporting competitions, agricultural fairs, art festivals, carnivals, singing, and dancing.
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FAQs for Custom Chief’s Day
Vanuatu’s official language is which?
There are three official languages in Vanuatu. Bislama, English, and French are their names.
What is the name of the Vanuatuan president?
Tallis Obed Moses represents Vanuatu at this time. Loughman is the prime minister at large.
Which form of administration is in effect in Vanuatu?
Vanuatu is a parliamentary unitary republic.
Activities in observance of Custom Chief’s Day
Honor the traditional elders
The purpose of Customs Chiefs Day is to honor and commemorate the local chiefs who have served as cultural pillars. If you are a native of Vanuatu, honor these leaders by recognizing their arduous efforts.
Respect your local authorities
In every region of the globe, local authorities are present to administer and render decisions. Also, extend to them some merited appreciation!
Employ a hashtag
Why not share this momentous occasion with others? To increase awareness, utilize the hashtag #CustomChiefsDay across all of your social media accounts.
Five fascinating facts regarding Vanuatu
Sixty-five islands are inhabited.
Only 65 of the eighty islands that make up Vanuatu are home to people.
Vanuatu is home to more than a hundred languages.
Ni-Vanuatu is home to an estimated 138 Oceanic indigenous languages.
The island of Vanuatu harbors Mount Yasur.
Mount Yasur, situated in Vanuatu, is the most easily accessible active volcano globally.
Vanuatu is a minor island.
Vanuatu is the smallest of Melanesia’s five independent nations.
The Prince Phillip is esteemed.
The Prince Philip Movement is a religious sect situated on the uninhabited island of Tanna, Vanuatu, that holds that Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, is divine.
CUSTOM CHIEF’S DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | March 5 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | March 5 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | March 5 | Thursday |
| 2027 | March 5 | Friday |
| 2028 | March 5 | Sunday |
