Celebrating Culture in the Cook Islands
Cultural festivals hold a special place in the Cook Islands events calendar, providing a wonderful opportunity for visitors to share in celebrating the nation’s vibrant heritage and people.
Te Maeva Nui Festival - 1-10 August 2008
The annual Te Maeva Nui Festival in August is the Cook Island’s supreme festival, honouring the nation’s political independence from New Zealand with a riot of colourful drumming and dancing competitions, singing, sports, arts and crafts. Te Maeva Nui brings people from all of the islands to Rarotonga and the vibrant atmosphere makes it a great time to visit the Cook Islands.
A spectacular float parade through the township of Avarua marks the opening of Te Maeva Nui, which this year runs from 1-10 August 2008. Island teams – or Tere 
parties – compete against one another in a host of events from coconut climbing and husking, to traditional vaka (canoe) races and cultural performances. The Cultural Dance Competition is always a highlight, creating a feast of colour and sound as musicians, dancers and singers adorned in stunning authentic costumes compete against one other. The creative community comes to life with contemporary and traditional exhibitions including the Tangi Kaara (Drumming Competition), local Maori medicine workshops and the chance to try mouthwatering cuisine from each of the islands. Tickets sell out fast so you’ll need to book your flights and accommodation well in advance – you can contact Cook Islands Tourism to find out more.
Te Mire Tiare Festival - 1-6 December 2008
And if you’re visiting in December, be sure join in the festivities of the annual Te Mire Tiare Festival – a week-long celebration of the beauty of the Cook Islands flowers. The festival is a magical time to visit the Cooks, with parades of floats adorned with flowers, floral competitions and the popular Miss Tiare pageant. Cook Islanders look forward to the coming summer and both locals and visitors are encouraged to adorn themselves with flowers. This year’s festival takes place in Rarotonga from 1-6 December 2008, with competitions for the best decorated shops, schools and government buildings, and the best ‘ei (head or neck garland). 
A highlight of the week’s festivities is the popular Miss Tiare Pageant Float Parade, this year on 6 December, which is followed by the crowning of Miss Tiare.
Useful Information
• Order your free copies of Cook Islands Visitor Map and Cook Islands Visitor Guide here, or choose from Jasons full range of South Pacific travel guides.
• Cook Islands Tourism – www.cook-islands.com
Images
Thanks to the Cook Islands Ministry of Cultural Development (MOCD) for the use of their images