Independence Day is a public holiday in Vanuatu observed on July 30th each year.
This is the National Day of Vanuatu and marks the end of colonial rule by Britain and France on this day in 1980.
On gaining independence, the archipelago became known as the Republic of Vanuatu (the name comes from two local words meaning ‘home’ and ‘stand’) and joined the Commonwealth.
An Anglican priest, Father Walter Lini, the leader of the main political party, Vanua’aku Pati, became the country’s first Prime Minister.
This is the most important national holiday in Vanuatu and is celebrated throughout the country, with the largest celebrations taking place in the capital, Port Vila.
Image by Wolfgang Reindl from Pixabay
