Public Holidays in American Samoa (& Other Important Dates)

American Samoa observes a mix of U.S. federal holidays and local commemorations that reflect both its historical ties to the United States and its unique cultural identity.

New Year’s Day

American Samoa celebrates the New Year with countdowns and fireworks on the evening of December 31, but unlike neighboring Samoa, it's one of the last places in the world to welcome the New Year due to its location just east of the International Date Line. January 1 is a public holiday, often marked by family gatherings, church services and a restful day at home.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day & Presidents’ Day

As an unincorporated territory of the United States, American Samoa observes key U.S. holidays such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday of January) and Presidents’ Day (third Monday of February). These holidays are primarily observed by government offices, schools, and some businesses, honoring civil rights progress and U.S. presidential leadership.

American Samoa Flag Day

Held every April 17, Flag Day is one of the most important local holidays in American Samoa. It marks the day in 1900 when American Samoa officially became a U.S. territory. The occasion is celebrated with flag-raising ceremonies, traditional performances, speeches, sporting events, and church services, with festivities often stretching across the entire week.

Good Friday

Reflecting the deep Christian roots in the community, Good Friday (date varies, typically in March or April) is observed with solemn church services, prayer gatherings and reflection. Most businesses and government offices close, and many locals spend the day with their families.

Memorial Day, Juneteenth & U.S. Independence Day

Memorial Day (last Monday of May), Juneteenth (June 19), and U.S. Independence Day (July 4) are U.S. federal holidays observed in American Samoa. While some of these are quieter affairs locally, July 4th is celebrated more prominently, often with fireworks, patriotic programs and family cookouts.

Manuʻa Cession Day

On July 16, American Samoa commemorates Manuʻa Cession Day, marking the official signing in 1904 of the deed of cession by the Manuʻa Islands. It’s a time of traditional ceremonies and cultural pride, especially celebrated in the Manuʻa group of islands.

Labor Day & Columbus Day

American Samoa observes Labor Day (first Monday of September) and Columbus Day (second Monday of October), often with closures for government and schools. In recent years, Columbus Day has also been recognized alongside Indigenous Peoples’ Day, reflecting the broader cultural awareness and heritage of the islands.

White Sunday (Lotu-a-Tamaiti)

Celebrated on the second Sunday of October, with the following Monday a public holiday, White Sunday honors children. Kids wear white clothing, participate in church performances, singing and scripture recitations, followed by a feast where children are served first. It’s a deeply cherished holiday in every American Samoan household.

Veterans Day & Thanksgiving

Veterans Day (November 11) honors the service of military personnel, especially significant in a territory with a high per capita enlistment in the U.S. military. Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday in November) is celebrated with American flair: turkey feasts, family gatherings and prayer are common.

Christmas Day

Christmas is one of the most important holidays in American Samoa, celebrated on December 25. It begins with midnight mass, caroling and family feasts, often including traditional American Samoan foods. While Boxing Day (December 26) isn’t a public holiday, many people still treat it as an unofficial day of rest.

Public holidays aren't the only thing to look forward to in American Samoa. The island also has a lively events calendar.

Moso'oi Festival of Arts & Humanities

One of the biggest events in the American Samoan calendar, the Moso'oi Festival is a celebration of all things American Samoa! The festival is named after the fragrant yellow moso'oi flower, which blooms in abundance at this time of year and is used as decorations for the event.

Every September through November, the festival celebrates with music, dance, art and traditional practices. You'll see plenty of live performances and food stalls throughout the festivities.

Palolo Rise

A natural phenomenon that you can almost set your clock by, Palolo Rise is when the palolo reef worm performs its annual ritual of rising from the coral to the water's surface to spawn.

Occurring on the seventh day after the full moon in October or November (or sometimes both, depending on when in the month it falls), as the blue-green palolo reef worm rises off American Samoa's shores, locals gather with lanterns on the beaches to scoop this delicacy up!

See more of the top events in the 10 Biggest Events & Festivals in American Samoa LINK#TTD022.