![Poster for Tonga Day](https://the-riotact.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/image0-1200x1200.jpeg)
Tonga Day is an open invitation to Canberra to come indulge and revel in Tongan culture. Image: Supplied
November 4 represents an important day for The Kingdom of Tonga, one that Canberra is invited to celebrate with the Tongan community through food, song and dance.
Tonga Day is a significant event in the nation’s history, an island country in Polynesia, as it marks its first written constitution on November 4, 1875. This historical event paved way towards establishing a constitutional monarchy, a foundation to express its political and cultural identity, and international recognition in the growing global community at the time.
Tongans celebrate this day globally to mark this special occasion through sharing their cultures & tradition. This includes sharing delicious Tongan cuisine with communities around the world, and at this event, with fellow Canberrans. At these Tonga Days, it is often common to notice a wide variety of food cooked in an earth oven (aka umu), delicious chilled tropical drinks and coconut deserts, and a bowl of Kava to celebrate the occasion. To top if off, an entertaining display of traditional song & dance laced with Tonga’s rich culture.
Tonga Day is a firm reminder of the nation’s commitment to a form of governance that balances traditional values with the principles of modernity. It represents a crucial moment in the nation’s history, and the celebration of this constitutional day reaffirms Tonga’s identity as a constitutional monarchy with a rich and active cultural heritage.
Everyone is invited to attend and celebrate Tongan culture, this one’s for family and friends!
The details
What: Tonga Day 2023
When: Saturday, 4 November from 10 am – 5 pm
Where: Margaret Timpson Park, Belconnen ACT 2617
Cost: Free event with parking around the venue