PALAU EVENTS & FESTIVALS

Palauans celebrate many traditional western holidays such as New Year's, Christmas, Thanksgiving and Labor Day along with regional holidays such as Youth Day and Senior Citizens Day.
There are several cultural events throughout the year that are well worth seeing, especially those which feature traditional dancing and musical presentations.

Legal Holidays
January 1st New Year's Day
March 15th Youth Day
May 5th Senior Citizens Day
June 1st President's Day
July 9th Constitution Day
1st Monday in September Labor Day
October 1st Independence Day
October 24 United Nations Day
Last Thursday in November Thanksgiving Day
December 25th Christmas Day

Sports Fishing Events
The PNCC Wireless Trolling & Casting Tournament, featuring the Kobayashi Cup
Sponsored by: Palau National Communications Corporation
Date: April (2 days)

13th Annual Palau Sports Fishing Association's Fishing Tournament
Sponsored by: Palau Sports Fishing Association, Mobil Oil Micronesia, Shimbros International, Palau Sales, WCTC, Surangel & Sons, PITI, KFC, PMIC, Impac Tours, Sam's Tours, NECO Yamaha, Pacific Savings Bank, Bank of Hawaii, The Penthouse Hotel, HLC & SLC, Hanpa Corp.
Date: June 14 & 15.

A fishing tournament open to all contestants with cash prizes for biggest billfish, tuna, wahoo, barracuda & mackerel, mahi mahi, and jacks & trevallies.

Photo Festival
Join Jean-Michel Cousteau in the Underwater Palau International Photo Festival
Sponsored by: President Tommy Remengesau, Jr., Chief Ibedul Yutaka Gibbons, Vice President & Mr. Pierantozzi, Palau Pacific Resort, NECO Group, Surangel & Sons, Pacific Savings Bank, Palau Transpacific Air, Continental Airlines, Sport Diver Magazine, Shell Palau, Local Dive Operators, Kumangai Bakery, Airai View Hotel
Date: May (1 week)
Featuring "Night Life in City of Corals", Night Dives with HMI Lights

Cultural Fairs
Olechotel Belau Fair
Sponsored by: Palau Visitors Authority and Ministry of Community and Cultural Affairs
Date: October (3 days)
A display of traditional Palauan arts, food & culture. Everyone is welcome.

Festival of Pacific Arts
Date: July (10 days)
The largest event in the Pacific! Contact secretariat@palaunet.com

Sports
Triathlon
Palau Klaidesechel Triathlon
Date: October 1
A fun, challenging event for all ages and fitness levels. Contact Rick Mangham at rjm@palaunet.com

Celebration of Tourism
Tourism Awareness Week
Sponsored by: Palau Visitors Authority & Palau Tourism Industry
Date: Third week of November
A weeklong celebration recognizing the tourism industry's achievements. Events include forums, and school awareness programs. Activities featuring tourism themes and industry awards. Contact: lab.pva@visit-palau.com

Celebrations of our People
Youth Day
Sponsored by: Palau National Youth Congress
Date: March 15
A range of youth festivities including open concerts and sports competitions. Contact number: 488-3256

Senior Citizens Day
Sponsored by: Ministry of Community & Cultural Affairs, State Unit Agency/Area Agency on Aging
Date: May 5
A range of activities including a dance competition, handicraft exhibitions and sale. Contact number: 488-2575

Independence Day
Date: October 1
This is the most celebrated holiday of the year. It commemorates Palau's independence obtained October 1, 1994. Events include cultural feasts and symposiums.