Top 8 Most Famous Festivals in the Federated States of Micronesia
Micronesia is an Oceania subregion made up of around 2,000 tiny islands in the western Pacific Ocean. It has a cultural history with three other island ... read more...groups—the Philippines to the west, Polynesia to the east, and Melanesia to the south—as well as the Austronesian peoples as a whole. Although it has a small area and a small population, this island still contains a lot of typical cultural values. Today, follow Toplist to discover some of the most famous festivals in the Federated States of Micronesia
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Every 1 January, Micronesia, like the rest of the globe, observes New Year's Day as a national holiday. However, the main party starts on New Year's Eve and peaks with the change of the clock from 11:59 p.m. on December 31 to midnight on January 1.
For some, New Year's Day is about making resolutions and starting over, while for others, it's about recovering from a late-night celebration with friends and family.
Micronesians, like the rest of the world, watch fireworks, light firecrackers, throw parties, eat to their hearts' delight, and stay up till midnight. They do, however, have their own distinct and interesting new year's traditions. Just like other countries in the world, New Year's Day is one of the most famous festivals in Micronesia, receiving great anticipation.
When: January
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Kosrae Constitution Day is a holiday celebrated in the Federated Nations of Micronesia's Kosrae, one of the four sovereign states. It is celebrated on the 11th of January every year to commemorate the creation of the Kosrae Constitution in 1984. This constitution has a preamble and sixteen articles that outline the people of Kosrae's rights and freedoms.
In Kosrae, this occasion is commemorated by students learning more about the constitution, performing traditional song and dance, and sharing meals with friends and family. Other events, such as sporting activities, fishing tournaments, or wrestling fights, may also take place on this day.
It has been revised four times since its inception. It's a holiday marked by music, dancing, and cooking with some of the island's native citrus fruits and crops. Everything from breadfruit and bananas to crabs, seafood, pork, and chicken can be found in these dishes.
When: January
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Yap Day is a legal holiday celebrated annually on March 1 in Yap State, one of the four states of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). It's a celebration of Yapese traditional culture. Competitions and traditional dances are common activities during this period.
Every year, a new hamlet hosts the Mit-mit, which serves both traditional and Western cuisine. The villages practice traditional dances, which serve as a form of storytelling, before Yap Day. Outer islanders are not permitted to dance, but they are welcome to attend. Traditional tattooing, fresh fruit competitions, and traditional games are among the competitions. Participants in the Yap Tradition Navigation Society's event make and sail traditional canoes. On the last day, the Yap Visitors Bureau hosts a welcome reception to honor guests who traveled to the island. With a large, vibrant and bustling organization, Yap Day is considered one of the most famous festivals in Micronesia.
When: March
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On the last day of March, Micronesia observes a unique festival known as Micronesian Culture and Traditions Day. This celebratory occasion was created with the sole intention of recognizing and honoring the different cultural traditions of the Federation of Micronesia's many islands.
Micronesian president Emanuel Mori established Culture Day with the help of the Micronesian congress to serve as a form of "national day." He pointed out that many other countries have national cultural festivals, and it was only natural that Micronesia should as well.
Every 31 March, government-sponsored celebrations will take place in Micronesia's four regions. Exhibits, seminars, festivals, concerts, and other events are among them. Food plays an important role in the celebration, which is understandable given its importance in the culture.
Micronesian Culture and Traditions Day celebrates the diverse languages, ethnic groupings, religions, and cultural traditions that have existed for generations across the islands. The nation's variety is highlighted as history meets modernity in fascinating and interesting ways.
When: March -
Every year on the 10th of May, Micronesia celebrates Constitution Day as a national holiday. It commemorates the adoption of the 1978 constitution of this country, which went into force on May 10, 1979. Micronesia's constitution is extremely similar to that of the United States, which is not surprising given that the United States was the country's former trustee.
The Micronesian Constitution establishes a federal government with separate executive, judicial, and legislative departments. The legislature is the most significant distinction between the US and Micronesian governments. The House of Representatives and the Senate make up the United States' bicameral legislature. The Micronesian legislature is a unicameral one that consists of the National Congress.
This holiday is celebrated throughout the Federated States of Micronesia. The country's president will begin by delivering a message to the people appealing for national unity and a celebration of the Constitution that binds them together as a people.
Despite the fact that there aren't many public celebrations, many people will take the day off to spend time with friends and family. It's a time for family gatherings, visits to parks, and even shopping.When: May
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Micronesia celebrates its independence on November 3rd. This is the day in 1982 when the Federated States of Micronesia gained complete independence and joined the United States of America in a free association.
In 1979, the Pacific islands of Pohnpei, Chuuk, Yap, and Kosrae came together voluntarily to form the contemporary Micronesian federation. They no longer wanted to be a part of the Pacific Trust Territory, which the US has ruled over since WWII ended. Prior to World War II, the Japanese Empire ruled over these islands. Prior to it, the islands had been ruled by Germany and Spain.
While Micronesia's various island communities were long independent before the Colonial Era, it was only in the last few decades that they became independent as a greater union. Independence Day is a chance to honor both the islanders' extensive cultural legacy and their more recent political achievements. As an extremely meaningful and solemn day for the country, for the habitant, Independence Day is one of the most famous festivals in Micronesia.
When: November -
On November 11th, Micronesia commemorates Veterans of Foreign Wars Day. Veterans Day is observed on the same day in the United States. Micronesia adopted a US holiday due to its close relationship with the United States and their shared history.
Veterans Day is observed on November 11th to commemorate the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. It was created to celebrate veterans of the Initially World War alone at first, but its meaning grew over time to include veterans of all foreign wars. Civil conflicts are not included because the focus is on living veterans.
Veterans Day has become a significant occasion in Micronesia because many Micronesians served in the US Armed Forces during World War II against the Japanese. Flag-waving, parades, and special ceremonies honoring Micronesian veterans will all be part of the festivities. Many people also take time off work to eat and socialize with family and friends.
When: November
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Christmas is a public holiday in Micronesia, as it is in the majority of countries throughout the world, on December 25th. This Christian holiday remembers Jesus' birth and is part of the Advent season, which lasts 22 to 28 days in the Christian calendar.
Roman Catholics typically attend midnight mass on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day, Protestants typically attend church and spend the majority of the day in very extended worship services. During these services, small gifts are frequently distributed. Following the church ceremony, a large Christmas feast is usually served.
People sing and compete in March competitions at church on the island of Kosrae in a tradition known as "Christmas marching." In addition, "Santa" throws candy to children and adults who line the streets.
When: December