White Sunday is a day for parents and communities to acknowledge and celebrate childhood by hosting special programs during church services which include scriptural recitations, biblical story reenactments, and creative dance performances. Children receive gifts (often new clothing and/or school supplies) on White Sunday and are allowed privileges normally reserved for elders, such as being the first to be served food at family meal time.

The Tonga Mission Centennial Celebration commemorates the arrival of missionaries of the Church of Latter Day Saints into the Kingdom and the contribution the church has done in the Island Kingdom.

This day commemorates the first in the Tupou line of kings, Taufa’ahau, who became known as King George Tupou I. The public holiday is every December 1 or the following Monday if it falls on a weekend.

September 17 is the birthday of the next heir to the throne, Prince Tupoto’a-‘Ulukalala. The date of this public holiday will change depending on who is the heir at the time.

ANZAC stands for Australia and New Zealand Army Corps. ANZAC Day is commemorated on April 25 when forces landed at Gallipoli to fight the Turks over 100 years ago. The public holiday date always stays the same on April 25.

Held in the second week of June every year, this festival showcases the islands’ finest culinary and cultural delights. It is designed to attract tourists, and plenty come to experience the relaxed atmosphere and to enjoy and learn about traditional Tongan cooking and culture.