The annual Heilala Festival will run from 27 June to 5 July, blending tradition, pageantry, and sport in yet another vibrant national celebration.
This year’s festival will also honour the official birthday of King Tupou VI, who will turn 66 on July 4.
Centred in Nuku‘alofa, the 2025 festival carries the theme “Celebrating Our Heritage, Shaping Our Future,” and features a packed schedule of cultural performances, competitions, and community events.
A major highlight this year is the debut of the Heilala Rugby League 9s tournament, running from 3 to 5 July at Teufaiva Stadium. The event will host men’s, women’s, and under-18 teams from Tonga and abroad.
Tavaka Fangupō of Tonga Rugby League described it as a “unique blend of sport, culture, and entertainment” and noted strong interest from international teams.
The festival opens on 27 June with a ceremony at Tonga High School, followed by a contestant briefing and welcoming reception for the Miss Heilala Pageant on 28 June. The pageant includes interviews, cultural performances, and culminates with the crowning night on 4 July at Tonga High School Stadium.
Other key events include the Cultural Arts Competition from 30 June to 3 July, the Junior Miss Tau‘olunga dance contest on 1 July, and the Heilala Float Parade on 4 July.
The festivities ends with the Heilala Give Back Concert on 5 July at Tonga High School Stadium.
