National holidays in Micronesia include New Year’s Day on 1 January, Constitution Day on 10 May, United Nations Day on 24 October and National Day on 3 November. Liberation Day on 11 September commemorates the victory of USA over Japan in World War II. In Pohnpei, this event is preceded by a week of sports and traditional events.
In Yap, mitmits are feasts accompanied by dancing and exchanges of gifts which are given by villages, often after a period of years has elapsed. In Kosrae, visitors are invited to participate in Sunday church services. Christmas is celebrated with a difference on the islands; after church services, feasts are arranged for the island folk, followed by events and celebrations. This festival is a great time to witness the blend of western and local traditions.
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