New Caledonia Day is observed in New Caledonia, a special collectivity of France located in the southwest Pacific, every September 24. This day commemorates the official declaration of New Caledonia as a French colony by Admiral Febvrier Despointes in 1853. The celebration is typically low-key, reflecting a complex history; some indigenous Kanaks view it as a day of mourning due to the oppression they faced under colonial authorities. The archipelago, which includes the principal island of Grande Terre and several smaller islands, was first encountered by European explorer James Cook, who named it New Caledonia. Although it is a public holiday, the customs surrounding the day can vary, with many people recognizing its historical significance rather than celebrating it in a festive manner.