Custom Chief’s Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

The Republic of Vanuatu celebrates Custom Chief’s Day on March 5 as an annual public holiday. It is a day to honour the National Council of Chiefs, also known as the Malvatu Mauri, which was founded in 1977 to suggest new ways to preserve the traditional Vanuatu way of life. The tribal chiefs are elected by the district councils of chiefs, and their primary responsibility is to advise the government on issues pertaining to Vanuatu’s culture and indigenous languages. Although they have no actual legislative authority, their input is always welcome.

The background of Custom Chief’s Day

In 1977, the government of the Republic of Vanuatu established the Malvatu Mauri, also known as the National Council of Chiefs, in an effort to preserve the traditional Vanuatu way of life. The translation of’mal’ is ‘chief.’ ‘vatu’ means’stone,’ ‘island,’ or ‘place,’ whereas’mauri’ means ‘living thing’ The chiefs are elected by the district councils of chiefs, and their primary responsibility is to advise the government on issues concerning Vanuatu’s culture and indigenous languages. Although they have no actual legislative authority, their input is always welcome.

Vanuatu is comprised of over eighty islands. In the 1880s, France and the United Kingdom claimed portions of the archipelago. The islands were renamed the New Hebrides after a 1906 agreement between the two colonial powers to jointly administer Vanuatu through an Anglo-French condominium. The New Hebrides attained independence from colonial rule on July 30, 1980. The country joined the United Nations on September 15, 1981.

The majority of ni-Vanuatu remained steadfast in their traditions, refusing to conform to European norms. Thus, chiefs are recognised as the highest authority in each community. It was therefore essential to establish a national day in their honour. Vanuatuans celebrate Custom Chiefs Day with feasts, sporting events, agricultural fairs, art festivals, carnivals, singing, and dancing, among other activities.

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DAY OF CUSTOM CHIEF ACTIVITIES

Honor the tribal chiefs

The purpose of Custom Chiefs Day is to celebrate and honour the local chiefs who have served as a pillar of culture. If you are a native of Vanuatu, honour these leaders by recognising their efforts.

Honor your local leaders

Local administrative and judicial authorities exist everywhere in the world. Give them the recognition they deserve as well!

Why not use the hashtag to inform others about this special day? Utilize the hashtag #CustomChiefsDay on all of your social media platforms to spread awareness.

5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT VANUATU

Vanuatu consists of 80 islands, but only 65 of them are inhabited.

Approximately 138 indigenous Oceanic languages are spoken in Vanuatu.

Mount Yasur in Vanuatu is the most approachable active volcano in the world.

Vanuatu is the smallest of Melanesia’s five independent nations.

On the remote island of Tanna in Vanuatu, a religious sect known as the Prince Philip Movement holds that Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, is divine.

CUSTOM CHIEF’S DAY DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	March 5	Sunday
2024	March 5	Tuesday
2025	March 5	Wednesday
2026	March 5	Thursday
2027	March 5	Friday