Take part in Festivals in Kiribati
Kiribati's holidays feature a diverse range of activities, from the first New Year's celebrations to a lively Independence Day "week" and a raucous Christmas season. Traditional singing and dancing can be enjoyed at any time.
Some of Kiribati's best festivals include:
- New Year's Day. It is the first day of the year. Kiribati is the first country in the world to welcome the New Year, albeit on the Line Islands, with celebrations taking place all over the country. There is something going on in every bar and guesthouse, as well as traditional celebrations at the local maneaba (meeting house).
- Independence Day. This is the main event on the Kiribati social calendar, celebrating the day the Gilbert Islands gained independence from Great Britain in July of 1979. Though the holiday officially takes place on July 12, the festivities last for several days, starting around the 9th. You can sees most of the action, including obligatory canoe races, kite-flying and traditional dance, along with wrestling, rugby and other sports ventures.
- Youth Day. August 4 sees the forward-thinking government focus its energy on the Kiribati youth, with the promise of better opportunities through various workshops and programs. Churches and meeting houses see most activity.
- Betio Game Fishing Competition. This is a popular event among expats in South Tarawa, with a monthly competition and weight-ins at Captains Bar in Betio to see the biggest catches.
- Kiribati Music and Dance. Kiribati folk music and dance is unique to the region, with chanting accompanied by body percussion and guitar, while dance is typically bird-like with costumed performers. Maneaba have music and dance nightly in-season.
