Photos by Peter Poulsen

A float parade and fun fair events were held on Monday, July 5 a public holiday in Tonga.

The Tourism Industry and Cultural Festival, which started on June 28 is hosted by the Ministry of Tourism to lighten up the mood.

This comes after more than a year since mass gatherings, including the annual Heilala Festival were cancelled, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fifiteen floats took part and competed in the parade that started from the CBD to the Taufa'ahau Domestic Wharf. Meanwhile the fun fair was held on the Nuku'alofa waterfront.

Hon Frederica Tuita Filipe awarded the prizes to the best floats in two competing categories.

For the cultural category, Fisi'ihangale Handicraft Development Group from Va'epopua won first place, while the To'utupu Siulanga he 'Ofa from Nukuhetulu came second.

In the business category, first place went to TIHE- School of Tourism and Hospitality, second was a tie between the Ministry of Customs-Revenue and Digicel.

The Ministry of Education float came in third.

The prizes were cash of $2,000 for first, $1,500 for second and third place received $1,000 pa'anga.

All participants received consolation cash prizes of $300 each.

Also, featured on the parade were the colourful marching school bands from Tailulu College, Tonga College, Tonga High School and Teacher's Training College.