The Heilala Festival will kick off in the last week of June, running for two weeks under the theme “My Kingdom, My Pride, Ko hoku Tonga, Ko hoku laukau’anga” to honor the official birthday of King Tupou VI, who will turn 65 on July 4.
The festivities start June 24 with an industry competition for the best floral arrangement and a cultural floorshow competition. The festival will feature a variety of events showcasing local talent and culture.
Key events include:
June 24: Best Floral Arrangement and Heilala Cultural Floorshow Competition.
June 25: Chef of the Year and Tonga’s Got Talent.
June 26: Bartender of the Year and Cultural Singing Competition.
June 27: Lalanga Kato Competition and Acts Community School Cultural Night.
June 28: Tourism Poem Competition and Cultural Dance Competition – Junior Miss Tau’olunga.
June 29: Heilala Food Festival & Family Fun Fair, Heilala Float Parade, and Heilala Pageant Contestants Welcome Reception.
The highlight of the festival, the Miss Heilala Pageant, begins on June 29 and includes a series of judging events:
July 1: Pre-pageant Interview and Stage Introduction/On-stage Interview.
July 2: Sarong Wear Judging.
July 3: Teunga Tau’olunga and Tau’olunga Judging.
July 4: Tutupakanava/Tongan Torch Evening and Talent Judging.
July 5: Miss Heilala Crowning and Ball, and One Tonga Block Party.
The festivities will end on July 6 with an Open Entertainment Evening featuring marching bands, bodybuilders, and other performances.
