Independence Day

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