Emancipation Day

Tonga to observe Emancipation Day

Emancipation Day is the day Tonga’s first Christian King, Siaosi Tupou I officially abolished serfdom in Tonga in 1862.

This year the 4 June public holiday fell on Thursday, so it has been moved up to be observed on Monday, 8 June . This is in accordance with a Public Holiday Act, stating when holidays fall on a Thursday, Friday it will be celebrated the following Monday.

Emancipation Day represents a turning point in Tongan history as commoners were freed from the virtual ownership of chiefs. It is 158-years since that day.