Festivals

Independence Festival

Season or date: July 7

The nation's largest celebration of independence, with military band parades and traditional dances in Honiara.

Solomon Islands National Arts Festival

Season or date: Biennial, July

A cultural festival where provinces compete in traditional dance, crafts, and music.

Marovo Lagoon Festival

Season or date: May

Canoe races and environmental symposiums held at the world's largest lagoon in Western Province.

Raga'an Guadalcanal Canoe Race

Season or date: September

Ocean canoe racing around wartime wrecks.

Yam Culture Festival

Season or date: June

Ceremonies and cooking contests celebrating the new yam harvest.

Shell Money Festival

Season or date: August

Demonstrations and exchange markets for shell money-making on Malaita Island.

Honiara Christmas Carnival

Season or date: December

A major event featuring giant tree lighting ceremonies and gospel choirs.

Tetepare Sea Turtle Festival

Season or date: November

Sea turtle conservation-themed environmental education programs for children.

Temotu Malaita Waterfront Show

Season or date: April

Performances of water dances and traditional war canoes.

Santa Cruz Pacific Kite Festival

Season or date: October

Colorful handmade kites fill the Santa Cruz sky.

Public holidays

  • New Year's Day
  • Good Friday
  • Easter Monday
  • Whit Monday
  • King's Official Birthday
  • Independence Day
  • Christmas