15 February - John Frum Day (Vanuatu)

 

John Frum Day is a celebration observed on the island of Tanna in Vanuatu. It typically occurs on February 15th each year. The day is part of the John Frum movement, a cargo cult that emerged in the context of the islanders' interactions with Western cultures, particularly during and after World War II.

The movement centers around a mythical or prophetic figure named John Frum, who is believed to bring prosperity and material wealth to the people of Tanna. Followers of the John Frum movement engage in various rituals and ceremonies to honor and attract the return of John Frum, often incorporating elements that reflect the influence of Western military personnel and their cargo during the war.

On John Frum Day, celebrations may include traditional dances, feasts, and ceremonies dedicated to the belief in John Frum's return and the anticipation of prosperity that he is expected to bring. The day is specific to the island of Tanna and is not widely observed throughout the rest of Vanuatu or internationally.