3-day independence celebration, all stalls sold out

July 9, 2026 11:23 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Anita Roberts.

This year’s 46th Independence Celebration in Port Vila will last three days, commencing with a Victory Parade on Tuesday, July 28.

Area Councils and provincial centres can choose to celebrate for three days or less. With more than two weeks still to go, all 100 stalls for the main celebration at Independence Park have already been sold out. Eighty (80) food stalls were sold for VT30,000 each and 20 kava stalls for VT25,000 each.

“Vanuatu, yumi build tugeta” is the theme for this year’s celebration.

Acting Deputy Town Clerk and Secretary of the National Organising Committee for the 46th Independence Anniversary, Georgina Faerua Tari, said the theme reflects unity as a nation and the importance of working together to build a stronger future as the country moves towards its 50th Golden Jubilee.

The minister responsible will declare the nationwide celebration open following the Victory Parade from Moorings to Independence Park on July 28.

Day 2 of the celebration will focus on education, with schools taking part in panel discussions on the value of independence. A street soccer programme will be organised to promote crime prevention among young people.

Other activities will include cultural performances from neighbouring countries, which are always a way to showcase unity in diversity. There will also be entertainment.

The official programme for Independence Day (July 30) will be released once it is finalised. As usual every year, the Prime Minister, as Head of Government, will address the nation after a flag-raising ceremony.

Secretary Tari conveyed that the Government has allocated a budget of VT20 million for the nationwide celebration, which will be shared with each provincial council. The councils will then distribute the funds to their Area Councils.

Funds will also be given to student associations in neighbouring countries, which will also be celebrating away from home.

The committee is encouraging business houses, property owners and residents to start cleaning their premises.

Citizens will soon be flying the national flag as a symbol of unity and pride as Independence Day approaches.

Mrs. Tari confirmed that Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape is expected to attend this year’s celebration, accompanied by the popular Moqai Band from the Central Province.