Public Holidays in the Marshall Islands (& Other Important Dates)

The Marshall Islands observes a mix of national commemorations, Christian holidays and cultural celebrations that reflect its history, community life and Marshallese identity.

New Year’s Day

The Marshall Islands starts the year with New Year’s Day on January 1. Like many places around the Pacific, it’s usually a time for family gatherings, church services and a slower start after the celebrations of December 31. Don't miss the New Year's Block party on Majuro; more details are in the 5 Biggest Events & Festivals in the Marshall Islands.

Government offices, courts, banks and many businesses are closed, so it’s best to get any official errands done before the holiday.

Nuclear Survivors’ Remembrance Day

Observed on March 1, Nuclear Survivors’ Remembrance Day is one of the most significant national days in the Marshall Islands. It remembers the people and communities affected by nuclear testing in the country, particularly in relation to the testing carried out at Bikini Atoll and nearby atolls.

The day is typically marked with reflection, remembrance and national awareness around the long-lasting impacts of nuclear testing on Marshallese communities.

Learn more about Bikini in The Atolls of the Marshall Islands & The Best to Visit.

Good Friday

Reflecting the strong Christian faith across the Marshall Islands, Good Friday is observed on the Friday immediately before Easter Sunday. The date changes each year, usually falling in March or April.

Church services, prayer and time with family are common, while government offices and many businesses close for the day.

Check out our recommended churches to experience a service in the 5 Best Churches in the Marshall Islands to Experience as a Visitor.

Constitution Day

Held on May 1, Constitution Day marks the adoption of the Constitution of the Marshall Islands. It is one of the country’s key national holidays, recognising the foundations of the modern republic and its system of government.

For travellers, there's plenty of exciting events happening, particularly in the capital, Majuro. This is also a day when government services, including courts and offices, are usually closed.

Learn more about how the locals celebrate Constitution Day in the 5 Biggest Events & Festivals in the Marshall Islands.

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Fisherman’s Day

Fisherman’s Day is observed on the first Friday in July. Fishing has long been central to Marshallese life, from food and family livelihoods to traditional skills and ocean knowledge.

The holiday recognises the importance of fishing and the sea to the Marshall Islands, which makes perfect sense in a nation made up of atolls, lagoons and ocean as far as the eye can see.

See the weigh-ins of local fishing competitions and join in the festive fishing fun in the 5 Biggest Events & Festivals in the Marshall Islands.

Dri-Jerbal Day (Labor Day)

Held on the first Friday in September, Dri-Jerbal Day is the Marshall Islands’ workers’ day. Dri-jerbal means “worker” in Marshallese, and the holiday recognises the contribution of workers across the country.

It’s the local equivalent of Labor Day in the US, so expect courts, government offices and many formal services to be closed.

Learn more about the Marshall Islands' connection to the US in How Americanised are the Marshall Islands?

Manit Day (Custom Day)

Manit Day, also known as Custom Day, is observed on the last Friday in September. It celebrates Marshallese culture, traditions, skills and identity.

This is one of the most culturally meaningful public holidays in the Marshall Islands, with a focus on customs, heritage and community. If there are cultural events happening while you’re visiting, this is a brilliant time to learn more about Marshallese life beyond the postcard views.

Learn more about local traditions in A Traveller's Guide to the Marshallese Culture.

General Election Day

General Election Day is observed on the third Monday of November in an election year. As the name suggests, this public holiday applies when national elections are held.

Travellers should be aware that government offices, courts and some businesses may close, while transport and services could be busier or operate differently depending on the location.

President’s Day

Observed on November 17, President’s Day recognises national leadership in the Marshall Islands. It is a public holiday, so government offices, courts, banks and some businesses are generally closed.

As with other fixed-date holidays, it’s worth checking locally if the date falls close to a weekend or if you need to confirm official opening hours.

Gospel Day

Gospel Day is held on the first Friday in December and reflects the important role of Christianity in Marshallese society. Church life is a major part of many communities, so this holiday is tied closely to faith, worship and community gatherings.

It is usually a quieter public holiday from a traveller’s perspective, but closures can still affect offices, banks and other services.

Christmas Day

The Marshall Islands celebrates Christmas Day on December 25. Churches, families and community gatherings are central to the holiday, with many people spending the day at home or attending services.

For travellers, Christmas is a time to plan ahead. Accommodation, shops, transport and restaurants may have reduced hours, and official services will generally be closed.

On the lead-up to Christmas, there are plenty of exciting events happening in the capital, which you can learn more about in the 5 Biggest Events & Festivals in the Marshall Islands.

Public holidays aren’t the only thing to look forward to in the Marshall Islands. The country also has a small but lively events calendar, with fishing tournaments, cultural days and ocean-focused celebrations taking the spotlight.

Marshalls Billfish Club Fishing Calendar

If there's one events calendar that makes total sense in the Marshall Islands, it's a fishing one. The Marshalls Billfish Club runs a packed line-up of tournaments throughout the year, usually centred around billfish, sailfish, tuna, wahoo, total qualifying pounds and tag-and-release formats.

The calendar changes from year to year, so treat the events as seasonal highlights rather than fixed annual dates. Travellers interested in joining, watching or simply soaking up the dockside atmosphere should check the latest tournament schedule locally, especially around Majuro.

These events are a great window into the Marshall Islands' ocean culture, where fishing is part sport, part community gathering and part "let's see who has the best fish story by sunset". Dates are subject to change, so confirm details with the club before planning travel around a tournament.

Follow Marshalls Billfish Club's social media to stay updated on their dates and venue, usually based at the Marshalls Billfish Clubhouse at RRE’s Shoreline.

For more information about fishing in the Marshall Islands, see The Ultimate Guide to Fishing in the Marshall Islands.

World Tuna Day

Held on May 2, World Tuna Day is especially relevant in the Marshall Islands, where tuna is tied closely to food, livelihoods, regional cooperation and ocean stewardship.

There are competition categories for art and craft, music and video, literature and photography, inviting residents and citizens of PNA member countries to take part.

For travellers, World Tuna Day is less of a street-party-style festival and more of a reminder of just how important tuna is to Pacific island nations. Still, if events, competitions or community activities are taking place while you’re in Majuro, it’s a meaningful date to know about.

Manit Day Events

Although Manit Day is already a public holiday, it’s also one of the best cultural dates to keep on your radar. Held on the last Friday in September, it celebrates Marshallese custom, identity and traditional knowledge.

Events can include cultural demonstrations, performances, traditional skills and community gatherings, depending on where you are. If you’re in Majuro around this time, ask locally about public events, as schedules can vary from year to year.

See more trip-planning inspiration in 10 Best Cultural Activities in the Marshall Islands.