Choiseul Province Day
The Solomon Island archipelago is already considered by many to be an enchanting jewel that’s located in the South Pacific. However, to appreciate its beauty, tourists need to venture to the Choiseul Province. This province is alive with waterfalls, lush rainforests, and beautiful coral reefs.
Once there, a person can feel the natural beauty of the islands. And if people visit this province during Choiseul Province Day, then they are likely to experience first-hand its rich cultural heritage as well. This is a holiday that celebrates the shared identity of everyone living there and reflects on the countries’ traditions and history. This holiday is observed annually on February 25th.
The History Of Choiseul Province Day In The Solomon Islands
This province can be traced back to the colonial era. Before that time, it was occupied by its native inhabitants. During the 16th century, Spanish explorer Alvaro de Mendan de Neira arrived and named the island San Marcos. It was given this name to honor the Day of Saint Mark, which was the day when the island was first spotted.
In the 18th century, Louis Antoine de Bougainville renamed the island to Choiseul. The name was given in honor of Etienne Francois, Marquis de Stainville, Duc de Choiseul. During the 19th century, it would come under brief German control before it was ceded over to the British and fell under British colonial rule.
During the mid-20th century, there was a desire among the local population for more autonomy and self-governance. This led to the process of decentralization and the establishment of provincial governments within the Solomon Islands. As a result, Choiseul Province was officially created on a designated day, marking the recognition of the region’s distinct identity and the aspirations of its people. This holiday now serves as a day to celebrate the culture of the Choiseul Province community.
Quick Facts About Choiseul Province
Below are some quick facts about Choiseul Province that we feel everyone will be interested in learning about. Let’s take a look at them before we look at how Choiseul Province Day is celebrated.
- Taro is the Provincial Capital
- Choiseul Province covers an area of 1,481 square miles.
- It has a population of over 37,000 people.
- This particular province has three major islands that include Choiseul, Wagina, and Rob Roy.
Observing Choiseul Province Day In The Solomon Islands
This holiday is observed in Choiseul Province in a variety of different ways. It’s observed with processions and cultural festivals, speeches, and sporting events. There is a real sense of community pride and achievement in all of the activities held on this day in this province. On social media, the hashtag #ChoiseulProvinceDay can be used to spread the word about this holiday.