HOLIDAYS AND TRADITIONS

Festivals and Events in Tonga

On the fourth of July, the Tongans celebrate the King's birthday with the week long Heilala Festival. It coincides with the flowering of the Heilala, Tonga's national flower.

FOOD AND BEVERAGES

Tongan Cuisine

It is considered that the Tongan region has been inhabited since the 5th century BC. Traditional Tongan fare include many dishes such as suckling spit-roasted pig; fresh seafoods either raw or cooked in coconut milk such as fish, lobster, and octopus; and fresh tropical fruits. Many restaurants in Tonga often serve foods originating from Taiwanese, German, Italian, Indian and, Japanese cuisine, including a mix of tastes from neighboring island countries.

SHORT INFORMATION

Overview of Tonga

Officially name: The Kingdom of Tonga

Capital: Nukuʻalofa

Largest city: Nukuʻalofa

Official language: Tongan, English

Government: Constitutional monarchy