Tonga will observe a one-off public holiday on Monday, 27 October to mark the 50th anniversary of a “mystery cross” appearance in Ha’apai.

On, 26 October 1975, Rev. Kalavite ‘Uhila, a Minister in Charge of Young People and Evangelism Ministries, was on his way to church at 5:00am when he saw a bright light in the grounds of the Free Wesleyan Church at Pangai, Ha’apai. The spot where the bright light appeared is now outlined in cement on the grass outside the church, and has become a popular tourist site.

A request for the special public holiday was submitted to government by the committee for the Mystery Cross Appearance (Komiti Kolosi Ha Faka-Misiteli) from Ha'apai. 

The Cabinet approved 26 October 2025, as a one-off government public holiday in honour of the 50th anniversary of the appearance of the mystery cross

Because 26 October 2025 falls on a Sunday, the public holiday will be celebrated in the following Monday.