Heir To The Throne’s Birthday
Tuvalu is an independent island nation located in the South Pacific and within the greater British Commonwealth. It consists of nine islands that are either sparsely populated or are WWII historic sites. The nation has a population of approximately 11,700 people, and its government is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy.
Tuvalu (Public holiday)One of their major holidays is the Heir to the Throne’s Birthday, a public holiday observed on the second Monday in November each year. As the name suggests, this holiday celebrates the birthday of the heir to the British throne, who at the time of this writing is Prince Charles of Wales.
The History of Heir to the Throne’s Birthday in Tuvalu
Tuvalu was previously known as the Ellice Islands and has been occupied for over 3,000 years. The first Europeans to visit, however, did not arrive until the 16th century. This is when Spanish navigator Alvaro de Mendana sighted the archipelago in 1568.
In 1892, the archipelago became a British Protectorate, and from 1916 through 1975, it was part of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony. This close association with the British government has resulted in the island now celebrating many British holidays, including this one. Because Prince Charles was born on November 14, 1948, this holiday is observed on the second Monday in November annually.
Observing Heir to the Throne’s Birthday in Tuvalu
Because this is a public holiday, many people have the day off, and schools and businesses are closed for the day. Government agencies may also be closed, but they may remain open if it’s important for them to do so.
On this holiday, people celebrate the day with birthday celebrations, musical events, dancing rituals, and cultural festivals. It’s also a day on which politicians give speeches. Tuvaluan food is also extremely important on this day and features foods such as pork, breadfruit, coconut, bananas, and other ingredients.
Tuvalu (Public holiday)
