Rotuma Day is observed on May 13 each year on the island of Rotuma, a Fijian dependency, as well as by people of Rotuman descent living outside the island. This holiday commemorates the anniversary of Rotuma's cession to the United Kingdom in 1881. The island is home to the Rotuman people, a unique indigenous ethnic group, and the celebration reflects their cultural heritage. The history of Rotuma includes visits from European sailors in the late 18th century and the arrival of missionaries in the mid-19th century, which led local chiefs to seek annexation by the UK. The day is marked by various festivities that honor the island's history and its people.