Photos by Linny Folau

With only four days to go before the Coronation celebration of HM King Tupou VI officially begins on Saturday, 27 June, more than one thousand dancers from various schools today held their final rehearsal for Queen Nanasipau’u Tuku’aho.

Secondary schools, including Tonga High School, Queen Salote College, Tonga College, Tupou College, Lavengamalie College, ‘Apifo’ou College and St Andrews High School with two combined Government Primary schools joined the rehearsal, at Mala’e Pangai Lahi.

The dances included the Ma’ulu’ulu, Faha'iula, 'Otuhaka, Lakalaka, Me’etu’upaki, Sōke and Tafi.

Also present was Dr Adrienne L. Kaeppler an author, anthropologist and Curator of Oceanic Ethnology at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C.

These Tongan traditional dances will be performed for the King on Education Day on Wednesday 1 July at Teufaiva Outdoor Stadium. Traditional performances by some schools will be held on Thursday 2 July, at Mala’e Pangai Lahi after a Welcome Luncheon for Coronation guests.

The official eight-day Coronation program begins with the King’s investiture as the 24th Tu‘i Kanokupolu at a Royal Kava ceremony, the Taumafa Kava, at the Mala‘e Pangai Lahi on Saturday, 27 June.

The Coronation service and ceremony will be held on Saturday, 4 July at the Centenary Church. 

Between 27 June and 7 July the program also includes a military parade, cultural performances and feasting. The coronation celebration ends with a Military Tattoo on 7 July.