Internal Autonomy Day
Internal Autonomy Day is a public holiday that’s observed annually on June 29th in French Polynesia. This overseas collectivity of France consists of over 100 islands and atolls that are located in the Pacific with Tahiti being the most popular of them. This holiday is mainly observed in Papeete, the capital that’s located in Tahiti.
French Polynesia (Public holiday)The main way that this holiday is observed is with concerts on Papeete’s waterfront, parades, and other forms of popular entertainment. This holiday has been observed for quite a while now and has become a popular holiday on the islands.
The History Of Internal Autonomy Day In French Polynesia
The first European visit to these islands was during the early 16th century when Ferdinand Magellan, but was eventually visited by British, Dutch, and Spanish forces as well. In 1834, French Catholic missionaries arrived in Tahiti but were expelled. This would lead to not only the island of Tahiti but also the island of Tahuata being declared French Protectorates. This was done so that Catholic missionaries could work on the islands.
On June 29, 1880, Tahiti’s King Pomare V. gave France the right to sovereignty over the islands and their dependencies. This holiday commemorates the annexation of the Kingdom of Tahiti. It’s been celebrated as a holiday ever since. However, it’s mainly only observed on the island of Tahiti and mainly in the capital of Papeete.
Observing Internal Autonomy Day In French Polynesia
This holiday is observed with colorful parades that are held in Papeete, with concerts on the waterfront, and with a variety of cultural celebrations. It’s also celebrated with traditional Tahitian food such as Poisson Cru, Chevreffes, and Poulet Fafa.
It’s also a day for people to spend time with friends they might not have seen for a while or family members. And as is always the case in the modern-day, a hashtag should be used to spread the word to people who might not have heard about it. In this case, that hashtag would be #InternalAutonomyDay.
French Polynesia (Public holiday)
