National Culture and Senior Citizens Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Kiribati

The 11th of July is National Culture and Senior Citizens Day in Kiribati. This public holiday honours the traditions of Kiribati, including their emphasis on respecting the elderly. Historically, chiefs’ councils controlled the islands. Members of these councils were among the island’s eldest and most experienced residents. Kiribati’s courts and national government make the majority of decisions today, and the tradition of respecting the elderly continues. Their councils are consulted on a variety of social, political, and economic issues and serve as a sounding board for numerous decisions.

The background of National Culture and Senior Citizens Day

The Republic of Kiribati is an independent island nation in the Pacific Ocean’s central region. In 1979, when the country achieved independence, the appellation ‘Kiribati’ was adopted. It is a localised rendition of the word Gilberts, derived from the former name of the country, Gilbert’s Island. Elders have always been an integral element of society in Kiribati.

Kiribati’s leadership style in the 1400s was distinct from that of its neighbouring countries Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa, which were governed by a structure of high chiefs. Instead, Kiribati had councils of elder men known as “Unimwane” that met in “Mwaneaba” – meeting houses. They discussed and addressed community issues, ranging from conflicts and offences to guidance and counselling. Locals believed that decisions made by the Unimwane were the best because council members were the island’s wisest elders, and they made their decisions after deliberating at length.

In the 1700s and 1800s, these traditions survived interactions with Europeans, Asians, Samoans, and other communities. Today, the people of Kiribati continue to respect their elders. Due to its paucity of natural resources, however, Kiribati is one of the poorest countries. Many senior citizens do not receive the social support they require. National Culture and Senior Citizens Day encourages the people of Kiribati to care for their elders in a more proactive manner.

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5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT KIRIBATI

As an island nation, Kiribati does not have any terrestrial borders with neighbouring nations.

Kiribati is the first nation to celebrate the New Year because it is the farthest advance of Greenwich.

Kiribati’s low quality soil and sporadic rainfall make crop cultivation difficult.

Kiribati is the only nation to occupy all four hemispheres.

Kiribati may not exist in 50 years due to rising sea levels caused by global warming, and potable water on the island is becoming scarce.

NATIONAL CULTURE AND SENIOR CITIZENS DAY DATES