Traditional dance performances shine at Mala'e Pangai

Hon. Frederica Tuita performs as vāhenga in the Lakalaka of Kolomotu'a, at the royal luncheon for the Sesquicentennial Celebrations of the Tonga Constitution. Nuku'alofa. 4 November 2025. Photo: Matangi Tonga.

Photos by Tupou Vaipulu Jr and Katalina Siasau

A Royal Feast with traditional dance performances involving hundreds of people, was presented at Mala'e Pangai next to the Royal Palace in Nuku'alofa for the Royal family and guests to mark the Sesquicentennial Celebrations of the Tonga Constitution, today 4 November 2025.

Dancers from Kolovai, Kolomotu'a on Tongatapu, the island of 'Eua, and from Tongoleleka, Ha'apai performed traditional Milolua, Tau'a'alo, and Lakalaka for the Royal Luncheon in the presence of King Tupou VI, Queen Nanasipau'u, Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala and Crown Princess Sinaitakala Tuku'aho, the Princess Royal Pilolevu Tuita, and Lord Tuita.

The King's niece, Hon. Fatafehi 'o Lapaha Tuita performed as vāhenga in the Lakalaka of Kolomotu'a, while her daughter, Hon. Fahina Filipe performed as the vāhenga, in the Lakalaka “Lofia” with the Tongoleleka, Ha'apai, dancers.

Tongan koloa was presented by the dancers to the Royal Family.

Distinguished guests included Fiji's Tui Lau, Ratu Mara; the President of the NSW Legislative Council, Hon. Benjamin Franklin; Governor General of Papua New Guinea, HE Bob Dadae; the Governor of American Samoa, Hon. Salanoa Lealaisalanoa; and the Governor General of New Zealand, HE Dame Cindy Kiro.

The celebrations will conclude tonight, with a traditional torch lighting (tutupakanava) and fireworks at the Nuku'alofa waterfront.

The Milolua Lakalaka of Kolovai, performed at the royal luncheon for the Sesquicentennial Celebrations of the Tonga Constitution. Nuku'alofa. 4 November 2025. Photo: Matangi Tonga.

The Milolua lakalaka from the village of Kolovai is based on the mixing of kava for the Tu'i Kanokupolu, which has been the duty and responsibility of the people of Kolovai for generations.

'Eua community performs a traditional Tau'a'alo dance at the royal luncheon for the Sesquicentennial Celebrations of the Tonga Constitution. Nuku'alofa. 4 November 2025. Photo: Matangi Tonga.

It has been many years since Tonga has seen a big celebration, after COVID and natural disasters.

Fahina Filipe performs as the vāhenga, in the Lakalaka “Lofia” at the royal luncheon for the Sesquicentennial Celebrations of the Tonga Constitution. Nuku'alofa. 4 November 2025. Photo: Matangi Tonga.

Lakaka are performed for special events in Tonga and are a major art form of Tonga, consisting of poetry that is sung and accompanied by dance. The importance and uniqueness of this perfoming art was recognized by UNESCO in 2003 when “Tongan Lakalaka: Sung Speeches with Choreographed Movements” was delcared a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity”, comparable to the the programme of World Heritage Sites (ref. Kaeppler, 2012).