Royal Tupakapakanava torch lighting ceremony lights up foreshore [1]
Thursday, July 31, 2008 - 12:15. Updated on Sunday, April 13, 2014 - 23:43.
Photos by Peter Poulsen
A Tupakapakanava or traditional torch lighting ceremony was held along the Nuku'alofa foreshore yesterday evening, July 30, after sunset when students lit bark torches creating a line of fire around the coastline and rings of fire around the small islets visible from the capital.
The ceremony is a traditional honour accorded to the Royal Family and followed the installation of Tonga's King George Tupou V yesterday.
Another Tupakapakanava will be held on Friday August 1 the day of the King's coronation in the church.