Temotu Province Day is observed annually on June 8 in the Solomon Islands to commemorate the achievement of provincial government status by Temotu Province in 1984. The event is marked by a flag-raising ceremony and other festivities. Formerly known as Santa Cruz Islands Province, it consists of two parallel chains of islands. The islands’ stunning white sand beaches conceal a rich history for visitors to discover. The majority of Temotu Province’s inhabitants are Melanesian, although some are Polynesian.
HISTORY OF TEMOTU PROVINCE DAY
Temotu Province is the Solomon Islands’ most eastern province. Formerly known as Santa Cruz Islands Province, it consists of two parallel chains of islands. During his second Pacific expedition, lvaro de Mendaa de Neira arrived in Temotu in 1595 and renamed the island Santa Cruz. Prior to that, the inhabitants of this region of the Solomon Islands were primarily navigators who constructed tepukei, ocean-going vessels. They maintained traditional navigation techniques well into the twentieth century.
In 1899, Temotu was incorporated into the British Protectorate of the Solomon Islands. In 1978, the country achieved independence from the British. Honiara served as the nation’s capital and continues to do so to this day. During the Second World War, the U.S. Navy and the Imperial Japanese Navy fought a naval engagement known as the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands in northern Temotu Province. Both parties claimed victory. Some seaplanes even sank in Graciosa Bay, where they were based. As a result of the Pacific War, chemical weapons stored on Vanikoro Island were not entirely withdrawn until the 1990s.
Island of Santa Cruz (Nendo) is the largest island in the province. Lata, located on the island of Santa Cruz, is the provincial capital and main urban centre. The majority of Temotu Province’s population is Melanesian, although some Polynesians live on Tikopia, Anuta, the Duff Islands, and a few of the Reef Islands. The languages spoken in this region are the Temotu languages, a subfamily of the Oceanic language family. is surprisingly diverse for its tiny land area.
Five Interesting Solomon Islands Facts
Six important locations
Six main islands comprise the Solomon Islands.
Tropical climate
The country’s climate is tropical.
Population total
The population of the Temotu Islands is just over half a million individuals.
Self-government
In 1976, the Solomon Islands attained independence.
Major trading allies
Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Taiwan are the country’s principal commercial partners.
TEMOTU PROVINCE DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | June 8 | Thursday |
| 2024 | June 8 | Saturday |
| 2025 | June 8 | Sunday |
| 2026 | June 8 | Monday |
| 2027 | June 8 | Tuesday |
