Public Holiday in 2025

Tonga will observe a nationwide public holiday on October 27th 2025 to mark the 50th anniversary of a sacred event.

The Government has formally declared Monday October 27th 2025 as a one-off public holiday, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Mystery Appearance of the Cross in Pangai, Ha’apai.

Originally witnessed on October 36th 1975, the unexplained appearance of a glowing cross in the sky remains a spiritually significant moment for many Tongans. The day will be recognised in line with Cabinet Decision No. 405, passed in May this year, and announced publicly by the Prime Minister’s Office on July 14th 2025.

Since the date falls on a Sunday, observance will shift to the following Monday, in accordance with the Public Holidays Act.

The Committee for the Mystery Cross Appearance (Komiti Kolosi Ha Faka-Misiteli) in Ha’apai led the request for official recognition. Their petition highlighted the enduring religious importance of the event.

“This declaration reflects the Government’s recognition of this unique event in the history of Christianity in Tonga,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a media release.

The Appearance of the Cross

According to Rev Puloka, on the day the cross appeared, the Minister in Charge of Young People and Evangelism Ministries, Rev Kalavite ‘Uhila, was on his way to the church for a preaching service at about 5am when he saw a bright light in the church grounds.

Rev ‘Uhila braved himself by walking straight toward the light, which he discerned as a cross lying on the ground to the east of the church.

After the early service, Rev ‘Uhila revealed the existence of the mysterious cross to the senior pastor, Rev. Vili Fatai Koli, Rev. Haitini Fīnau, the Principal of Taufaʻāhau and Pilolevu College, and the congregation.

“They all went outside and confirmed the presence of the mystery cross,” Rev Puloka told Kaniva News.

“By then the light had gone out, but the outline of this mystery cross was permanently embedded on the ground and the grass turned deep yellowish green.”

The cross was 30 feet and eight inches (10 metres and 20 cm) long and 23 feet four inches (seven metres and 10 cm) along the crossbar. The long part of the cross was three feet and four inches (one metre) wide.

It is understood the outline of the mysterious cross was later cemented to maintain its original shape.

Rev Dr Puloka said he believed: “The mystery cross is the only known and confirmed imprimatur cross delivered by angelic hosts from heaven.”

“The instance was quickly relayed to the President of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga, the Rev. Dr. Sione ‘Amanaki Havea, at Nukuʻalofa.

“After confirming the existence of the cross, Rev. Dr. Havea duly informed his Majesty, King Taufaʻāhau Tupou IV. About a week later, His Majesty paid a visit to the mystery cross at Pangai, Haʻapai.”

After the king confirmed for himself the presence of the cross he held a brief press conference and said the mystery cross found its home at the hereditary home of King Taufaʻāhau Tupou I.

His Majesty said the magical cross appeared on the same ground where Taufaʻāhau knelt for baptism by the Rev. John Thomas on August 7, 1831.

”This cross is God’s confirmation of that 1839 covenant in which King Taufaʻāhau Tupou I offered the people and the land of Tonga to God: God and Tonga are my heritage,” Rev Dr Puloka said.