Events, Conferences, Public Holidays, Festivals and Celebrations in Tonga
Tonga is full of ever-changing events each year, from tourism festivals to village beautification competitions to beauty pageants. However, there are a few events, conferences, festivals and public holidays that happen in Tonga year after year. See if your trip to Tonga coincides with any of these exciting events in Tonga!
1. Heilala Festival
Tonga’s largest festival is a multi-day event taking place at the end of June/beginning of July each year. The festival is named after Tonga’s national flower, which blooms at this time of year. The event incorporates the King’s Birthday (see below) and has a wide range of events and shows happening throughout the fortnight, including talent shows, a float parade, brass band performances, singing competitions, food festivals and much more. The highlight of the event is the Miss Heilala Beauty Pageant with the crowning of Miss Tonga.
When? The festival is usually held at the end of June and throughout the first week of July, but check out the Tonga Tourism Authority‘s events page for the upcoming date.
© TongaPocketGuide.com2. King Tupou VI’s Birthday
The reigning king has his birthday on July 4 (well, technically, it’s on the 12th), which is an official public holiday and often the start or the end of the Heilala Festival (see above). The Heilala Festival was created to commemorate the King’s birthday and has been a hit for years. Many shops and businesses are closed for this public holiday. Learn more about public holidays and why they are celebrated in our guide, Public Holidays in Tonga (& Other Important Dates).
When? The public holiday is on July 4, but if it falls on a Sunday, the public holiday is moved to the next Monday. Public holiday dates for the upcoming year are published on the Prime Minister’s Office website.
(c) tongapocketguide.com3. Tonga Day
Also known as “Tonga’s National Day” or “Tonga’s Constitutional Day”, Tonga Day is on November 4. The day was first enacted by King Tupou I on November 4, 1875. It is an event celebrated not just in the main towns of Tonga, but perhaps with more vigour in countries where Tongans have emigrated, such as New Zealand, Australia and the US. You may be able to catch shows with dancing and singing in Nuku’alofa.
When? Tonga Day is November 4 and the public holiday is held on the following Monday. Public holiday dates for the upcoming year are published on the Prime Minister’s Office website.
(c) tongapocketguide.com4. Free Wesleyan Church Conference
Almost the entire population of Tonga are devout Christians, with the Free Wesleyan denomination being the most popular. Starting July 6, the Wesleyan Church Conference begins and lasts one week. The church’s prominent members get together and speeches are made. You’re likely to see events throughout the towns of Tonga, including marching bands.
When? Around July 6 for a week.
(c) Pxhere.com5. Vava’u Blue Water Festival
The Vava’u Blue Water Festival, casually known as the Regatta Festival, is a highlight of the cruising calendar in Tonga. The event starts around the end of September each year and lasts for a week. The event includes yacht racing, auctions for charity, shows performed by local school children, dinners for charity, community barbecues and something new and exciting each year.
When? End of September, but check out the Tonga Tourism Authority‘s events page for the upcoming date.
© TongaPocketGuide.com6. Christmas
One of the most important events on the Christian calendar, Christmas is celebrated with enthusiasm in Tonga. Christmas Day and Boxing Day are public holidays, while church services are grander than ever. The week between Christmas Day and New Year has communities putting on singing competitions and families gifting food to each other. Find out more about Christmas in Where to Spend Christmas in Tonga.
When: Christmas Day and the public holiday is on December 25. Boxing Day and the public holiday is on December 26.
© TongaPocketGuide.com7. New Year’s Day
Due to Tonga’s time zone, it is one of the first countries in the world to see-in the New Year. While not as big of an event as Christmas, locals will celebrate with New Year’s Eve sunset and midnight church services, community feasts and some young locals go out to bars in Nuku’alofa. Learn more about how to celebrate NYE in Tonga for yourself in our guide, Where to Spend New Year’s Eve in Tonga.
When? New Year’s Eve is on December 31. New Year’s Day and the public holiday is on January 1.
© TongaPocketGuide.com8. Easter
While an important Christian holiday, Easter is not celebrated with events quite as much as Christmas. Nevertheless, some shows with school children performing Tongan hymns can be seen in some communities. The country also enjoys two days of public holidays, including Good Friday and Easter Monday. Learn more about how to experience Easter in The Kingdom in The Guide to Easter in Tonga.
When? Changeable each year with dates between March 22 and April 25. Public holiday dates for the upcoming year are published on the Prime Minister’s Office website.
© Tonga Tourism Authority9. Emancipation Day
Another public holiday in Tonga, Emancipation Day is a day to commemorate King Tupou I officially abolishing serfdom in Tonga on June 4 1862. It essentially meant that commoners were freed from the virtual ownership of chiefs. The Monday following June 4 is observed as a public holiday where locals can enjoy time with family. Learn more about public holidays in our guide to Public Holidays in Tonga (& Other Important Dates).
When? June 4, while the public holiday is observed on the following Monday. Public holiday dates for the upcoming year are published on the Prime Minister’s Office website.
(c) tongapocketguide.com10. Faka-Sepitema
Visitors will see hundreds of women dressed in white during the month of September for Faka-Sepitema. This is best described as a church “roll call” done by the Free Wesleyan Church where each female member of the church answers to their name called out with “I am present”. Unlike other formal events, women do not necessarily wear their traditional clothing like a taʻovala waist mat but wear all-white clothing. Learn more about Tonga’s religions in The Guide to the Religions in Tonga.
When? September – different churches have different dates for this event each year.
© TongaPocketGuide.comMore About Events and Celebrations in Tonga
That’s it for our list of the best events and celebrations in Tonga but, of course, there’s a lot more to celebrate in Tonga, so continue with thee:
- 10 Reasons to Travel to Tonga this Christmas
- The Guide to the Tongan Culture and Traditions
- 101 Best Things to Do in Tonga
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Top Events & Festivals in Tonga.
