Overview:
Palau’s Independence Day and Olechotel Belau Fair celebrations are tentatively scheduled for Sept. 30 through Oct. 4, with a 16-state parade, cultural performances, traditional foods and games, fireworks, a night market and boat races among the planned activities.
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang
KOROR, Palau (Sept. 21, 2026) — Palau’s Independence Day and Olechotel Belau Fair (OBF) celebrations are tentatively scheduled for September 30 through October 4, according to the Ministry of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development.
This year’s celebration will be held under the theme, “Culture in Action is Wellness in Life – Dolemolem a Dikesed el Kirel a Ungil Klengar.”
The festivities will begin on September 30 with the Mechesil Belau Conference at the Ngarachamayong Cultural Center, followed by an Independence Dinner at the same venue that evening sponsored by the Mechesil Belau.
On Independence Day, October 1, the official ceremony will be held at Ernguul Park. The day’s program will include a parade featuring all 16 states, followed by the official ceremony and performances presented as part of the Olechotel Belau Fair.
The ministry said booths representing all 16 states, along with private vendors, will offer food, handicrafts and other products. A fireworks display is scheduled for the evening at the Asahi Baseball Field.
The following day, October 2, Ernguul Park will host a 16-state booth day market, including tastings of traditional dishes from each state.
Traditional games will also be held in the old Congress courtyard near Ernguul Park. The day will conclude with the Koror State Night Market and entertainment by a string band.
No events are listed on the tentative schedule for Saturday, October 3.
On Sunday, October 4, a boat race competition will be held at the Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge. According to Minister Tmetuchl, most boat drivers requested that the race be held on Sunday because many of them work as tourist boat operators and tour guides and are occupied on Saturdays.
The day’s activities will also include a sailing of the Maisu, a traditional totang race and a day market. Parks on both the Koror and Airai sides will be open to vendors interested in participating in the day market.