Custom Chief's Day

Categories:: Cultural
Tags:: Appreciation Federal Historical
Where:: Vanuatu
Date change rule:: Every March 5
Holiday emoji:: 👑

Custom Chief’s Day recognizes the revered traditional leaders of Vanuatu every March 5. This public holiday honors the National Council of Chiefs, known as the Malvatu Mauri, for their vital role in preserving the nation’s rich culture and indigenous languages. Join in celebrating the enduring wisdom and guidance these chiefs provide to their communities and government.

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Expected Custom Chief's Day Deals

As Custom Chief’s Day is a public holiday in Vanuatu focused on cultural recognition rather than commercial sales, expected deals typically center around local community events and cultural programs. Businesses in Vanuatu may offer special promotions on traditional crafts, local produce, or cultural tours that highlight the island nation’s heritage. Local eateries might feature traditional dishes, and cultural centers often host educational workshops or performances. We will update this page with confirmed live cultural events and community initiatives as March 5 approaches, encouraging support for local artisans and cultural preservation efforts.

Platform Guide for Custom Chief's Day

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #CustomChiefsDay. Share insights on traditional leadership and cultural governance.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #CustomChiefsDay. Post about Vanuatu’s cultural heritage and the role of its chiefs.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #CustomChiefsDay. Share vibrant images of Vanuatu’s culture, traditions, and landscapes.

Custom Chief's Day Hero

Traditional Chiefs of Vanuatu

The traditional chiefs of Vanuatu are the custodians of 'kastom' (customary law and tradition), playing an indispensable role in maintaining social order, resolving disputes, and preserving cultural identity across the archipelago. Their authority is deeply rooted in oral history and ancestral lineage, making them central figures in both local communities and national governance through the Malvatu Mauri. They embody the living heritage of Vanuatu, ensuring traditional values endure for future generations.

History of Custom Chief's Day

The Malvatu Mauri, or the National Council of Chiefs, was established by the government of the Republic of Vanuatu, in 1977, to propose ways to preserve the traditional Vanuatu way of life. The word ‘mal’ translates into ‘chief,’ ‘vatu’ means ‘stone,’ ‘island,’ or ‘place,’ while ‘mauri’ means “something that is alive.” The chiefs are elected by members of the district councils of chiefs, and their main role is to advise the government on matters surrounding the culture and indigenous languages of Vanuatu. Although they have no actual legislative power, the government always welcomes their advice.

Vanuatu is an archipelago of over 80 islands. In the 1880s, parts of the archipelago were claimed by France and the United Kingdom. In 1906, both colonial powers made an agreement to jointly manage Vanuatu through an Anglo-French condominium and the islands were renamed the New Hebrides. On July 30, 1980, the New Hebrides got their independence from colonial rule. It was admitted into the United Nations on September 15, 1981.

Through it all, most ni-Vanuatu clung to their traditions, refusing to conform to European standards. Thus, in each community, chiefs are recognized as the uppermost authority. This is why it was so important to establish a national day in their honor. On Custom Chiefs Day, the people of Vanuatu celebrate with feasts, sporting events, agricultural fairs, art festivals, carnivals, singing, dancing, and other festivities.

Custom Chief's Day timeline

1906

A Colonial Pact

France and the United Kingdom agree to jointly control the New Hebrides.

1977

The Malvatu Mauri is Created

The Malvatu Mauri is set up by the government of Vanuatu.

1980

Vanuatu Declares Independence

Vanuatu declares independence from the United Kingdom and France.

1981

Vanuatu Joins the U.N.

Vanuatu is admitted into the United Nations on September 15.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Custom Chief's Day

Local businesses in Vanuatu can honor Custom Chief’s Day by organizing cultural events that showcase traditional music, dance, and storytelling. Restaurants might feature customary dishes, and craft shops can highlight artisan products made using traditional methods. Businesses can also support local cultural centers or initiatives that promote indigenous languages and customs. Offering educational workshops about Vanuatu’s ‘kastom’ (customary law) can also engage both locals and visitors in the significance of the day.

Custom Chief's Day FAQs

When is Custom Chief's Day?

In 2027, Custom Chief’s Day will be observed on Friday, March 5. It’s a day when the people of Vanuatu reflect on the guidance provided by their chiefs and the importance of ‘kastom’.

What is the Malvatu Mauri?

As the highest traditional body in Vanuatu, the Malvatu Mauri serves as a crucial link between customary law and modern governance. Its members are respected elders who ensure that ancestral wisdom informs national policies.

How many islands in Vanuatu have traditional chiefs?

The influence of traditional chiefs extends throughout the diverse cultural landscape of Vanuatu, with their roles varying slightly from island to island. Their presence is fundamental to the social fabric of the nation, guiding communities in daily life and cultural practices.

Is Custom Chief's Day a public holiday?

In Vanuatu, Custom Chief’s Day is indeed a recognized public holiday, ensuring that the nation takes time to acknowledge and celebrate the invaluable contributions of its chiefs to cultural identity and community cohesion.

Custom Chief's Day Activities

Celebrate the custom chiefs
Custom Chiefs Day is dedicated to celebrating and honoring the local chiefs who’ve acted as a strong pillar of culture. If you're ni-Vanuatu, celebrate these leaders by appreciating all their hard work.
Honor your local leaders
Wherever you are in the world, there are local leaders who administrate and adjudicate. Give them some well-deserved appreciation as well!
Use the hashtag
Why not tell others about this unique day? Use the hashtag #CustomChiefsDay across all your social media accounts to raise awareness.

5 Interesting Facts About Vanuatu

Only 65 islands are inhabited
Vanuatu is made up of 80 islands, but only 65 are inhabited by people.
Vanuatu has over 100 languages
Ni-Vanuatu speaks about 138 indigenous Oceanic languages.
Vanuatu is home to Mount Yasur
Located in Vanuatu, Mount Yasur is the most accessible active volcano in the world.
Vanuatu is small
Vanuatu is the smallest of five independent nations in Melanesia.
Prince Phillip is Revered
On Tanna, a remote island in Vanuatu, a religious sect called the Prince Philip Movement believes Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, is divine.

Why We Love Custom Chief's Day

Culture ties us together
The world has become a global village, yet the need for our unique cultures and traditions has and will never be erased. The government of Vanuatu has done admirably well in recognizing this and taking positive steps to ensure their culture is preserved.
Chiefs preserve tradition
Chiefs are custodians of culture and tradition. In most societies, Western influence has eroded core values. All the more reason to appreciate the chiefs and other local leaders in countries that have managed to preserve them.
Leaders deserve to be celebrated
Leaders, whatever their levels are on the ladder of governance, play important roles in our society. Often, their hard work goes unrecognized, so this is an opportunity to celebrate and honor them.