Tinakula Festival kicks off in Honiara
By Alfred Pagepitu
The popular Tinakula Festival, a celebration of Temotu Province’s rich and diverse culture kicked off in Honiara today.
The two-day event is being held at the FOFA Village and will run until tomorrow, Saturday, July 27th, 2024.
The official opening ceremony showcased vibrant cultural performances from different dance groups, followed by an address from the Temotu Province Premier, Hon. Stanley Tehi.
In his keynote speech, Premier Tehi expressed his delight in joining the Honiara-based Temotuans to celebrate this historic festival.
“It is a privilege to participate in this celebration of our cultural diversity, which plays a vital role in uniting and enriching our communities,” he said.
Tehi highlighted that the festival is a testament to the unity and shared values of the Temotu people, despite their remoteness and scattered nature.
“One of our advantages is that Temotu Province is home to a variety of languages, traditions, and customs, showcasing the uniqueness of blended cultures,” he added.
The Tinakula Festival provides Honiara locals and visitors with a wonderful opportunity to experience the Temotu people’s unique music, dance, arts, crafts, and traditional cuisine, offering an insight into a lesser-known part of the Solomon Islands.
Committee members with the Premier of Temotu Province, Hon. Stanley Tehi and Miss Tourism, Kerrie Faradatolo.
Meanwhile, Miss Tourism Solomons, Kerrie Faradatolo, has lent her full support to the event, which aims to promote the diverse cultures of the Solomon Islands.
The event today also saw Women from Santa Cruz, showcasing their traditional cooking skills, allowing attendees to savor their traditionally cooked food.
The festival is free and open to the public, welcoming Honiara residents, Temotuans, friends, wantoks, and expatriates to witness the two-day celebration.
The sole purpose of the Tinakula Festival is to expose the arts, crafts, cultures, dances, and the unique heritage of the Santa Cruz and its surrounding islands.
The event is sponsored by Hatanga, DJ Graphics Ltd, Solrice, Ggas, UniSound Entertainment, Temotu Provincial Government, Niu, Australian Direct Supplies (ADS), Tessa, Gizzi Entertainment, Tourism Solomons, Fleet Solomons, and others.
ENDS//