Yap Day
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Where is Yap Day celebrated?
Yap Day is celebrated in Yap State, one of the four island states located in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). People dress up in colorful clothes and engage in traditional dances that reflect the traditional culture of the Yapese people.
Who is Yap Day celebrated by?
The day is observed pompously by Yapese People and foreigners that visit Yap as guests from across parts of the world and enjoy it. The celebrations attract visitors from across the world.
When did Yap Day first start?
The celebrations of Yap Day commenced in March 1968 and since then have been celebrated every year by the Yapese people with great enthusiasm.
Who started Yap Day?
Yap Islands Congress introduced Yap Day to protect and preserve the Yapese Culture.
History And Timeline
The history of this festival takes us back to 1968 when Yap Islands Congress made Yap District Day maintain Yapese Culture. They deliberately picked March 1 to observe the day as it was considered the most auspicious season due to the season's dryness. Ultimately in March 1979, the day was renamed Yap Day, and the celebrations continued.
Yap District Day
Yap Islands Congress launched Yap District Day to uphold Yapese culture.
1968Renamed to Yap Day
Yap District Day was renamed Yap Day.
1979Three Days Yap Event
In 1999, Yap Day went on for three days which started on February 28.
1999One Year Anniversary
The Yap Women's Association members completed a one-year tenure on the organizing committee.
2001Yap Day Broadcast
In 2002, events of Yap Day were broadcasted all through the Federated States of Micronesia on radio and through television.
2002Traditions And Customs
Every year a different Yap village arranges a Mit Mit and offers traditional as well as western food to enjoy. Yap communities rehearse dances and other entertaining activities a day before the Yap Day.
The traditional dances presented here narrate a story of their culture. In addition, several contests, traditional games, cultural tattooing, and a lot more are held to celebrate the eventful day by the Yap community.
Though tourists are not allowed to participate in their traditional dance wearing that green skirt, they may watch and enjoy the sight. Further, there is Yapese food to savor on several booths rigged at the event.
Ways To Observe Or Celebrate Yap Day
Want to enjoy this colorful event? Go and visit Yap island as tourists to celebrate their culture and traditions.
Try their traditional attire and watch fun activities like bicycling competitions, running, relishing their traditional stick dances, target shooting, tug of war, and more. Enjoy the day here and post pictures on social media about the day. You can also opt to read about the history and culture of the Yapese people to know more about their traditions.
Facts And Stats
March 1 was chosen to celebrate Yap Day as it was deemed the 'most pleasant' season due to its dryness.
Yap Day 1999 involved fun activities like basket weaving, tug of war, running, bicycling, coconut husking, and more.
In 1999, Yap Day was organized as a three-day-long event that commenced on February 28.
Yap Day observed in 2002 was broadcast all across the Federated States of Micronesia on radio and via television.
What happens during Yap Day?
Yapese people celebrate this legal holiday by arranging events that feature traditional dances and activities. The celebrations on this day are extremely popular across the world, and many travelers from across the world can be seen attending the events organized on this day.
What is the significance of Yap Day?
Yap Day involves the celebration of a Yapese culture where the Yapese people host Mit Mit and offer Western and traditional grub to enjoy the day. In addition, several festivities, competitions, and games are organized on the day to honor the culture.
What is Yapese Culture?
Yapese culture is a Micronesian ethnic group indigenous to the island of Yap. Under varied colonial rules, Yapese culture was influenced by Japanese, German, Spanish, and American ways.
What is Yap stone money?
Yap stone money is a queer currency that circulates on Yap islands. These are big stone discs, often 13 ft (4 m) in size and hollowed in the middle, and are called Rai.
When Is This Day Celebrated
- Saturday, February 29, 2020
- Sunday, February 28, 2021
- Monday, February 28, 2022
- Tuesday, February 28, 2023
- Thursday, February 29, 2024
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