Christmas Day in Wallis and Futuna

Date:

• December 25th annually.

History and Tradition:

• Wallis and Futuna, a French overseas collectivity in the South Pacific, has a predominantly Roman Catholic population due to the missionary work that dates back to the 1830s.
• The islands inherited many French traditions as well as developing their own unique customs over time.

Observances:

• Christmas is both a religious and cultural event, celebrated with Mass and various communal festivities.
• Attending church is central to the celebration, with special services held in the Cathedral of Mata-Utu in Wallis or in local village churches.

Activities:

• Families gather for a festive meal, often including traditional foods such as roast pork, taro, breadfruit, and seafood.
• Gift-giving is part of the celebration, with an emphasis on sharing within the community.
• Singing of hymns and carols is common both in church services and within communities.
• Decorations include tropical flowers alongside more typical Christmas decor like lights and trees.

Cultural Impact:

• The holiday promotes unity and a sense of community on the islands. It's a time when expatriates often return home to celebrate with family.