'Ikale 'o Kolomotu'a dancing in the rain for King's birthday [1]
Tuesday, August 3, 2010 - 22:44. Updated on Saturday, May 17, 2014 - 18:11.
Photos by Adrienne Kaeppler and Pesi Fonua
HM King George Tupou V's official birthday on August 1 was celebrated with a public holiday on Monday August 2 when the King attended a military parade at Pangai Lahi, followed by a Royal Luncheon in the grounds of the seafront Royal Palace.
The military parade was presented by the Tonga Defence Services soldiers and navy, enjoying an hour of sunshine in a weekend marked by frequent showers. There were no visiting warships in Nuku'alofa this year, but the event was attended by visiting ambassadors and high-ranking military officers serving in the region.
A luncheon for about 300 people in the Royal Palace also enjoyed brilliant sunshine except for a heavy passing shower that drenched the performance of the Lakalaka, 'Ikale 'o Kolomotu'a but the dancers responded with extra enthusiasm.
Other performances during the afternoon included a Maa'imoa Tau'olunga by the King's niece Hon Salote Maumautaimi Haim Hadessa Ber Yadena Alainuanua Tuku'aho; a Tau'olunga by Pisila Kilinalivoni Sevele; a Lakalaka Laione 'o Kolofo'ou; a Fa'ahi Ula by Tonga High School; as well as a Me'etu'upaki and a Lakalaka by the Tonga Teachers Training College.
The king who was born on May 4, 1948, decreed that his official birthday be changed to August 1 the date of his Coronation in 2008. He was 62 this year.