Thousands gather for Niue’s first-ever cultural festival

The inaugural Hologa Niue Festival captivated thousands in Manukau as Niueans from around the world gathered to celebrate their cultural heritage.

The festival marks a monumental step forward in preserving and sharing Niue’s cultural legacy with the world.

The long-anticipated celebration successfully concluded over the weekend.

Thousands gathered at the Due Drop Events Centre on Saturday to perform, support, and celebrate the Hologa Niue Festival, which was pioneered by Three Star Nation.

All 13 villages of Niue showcased their unique songs, dances, and performances that they had been preparing for over the past month since Three Star Nation first decided on 14 January to go ahead with the event.

The festival kicked off at noon with welcoming remarks from the representative of Three Star Nation.

Following the formalities, the performances began. The event performances were divided into three blocks: A, B, and C.

Block A featured performances from Mutalau, Makefu, Toi and Liku. Block B included Tuapa, Hikutavake, Vaiea, Namukulu, and Avatele. To conclude the event, Block C showcased Lakepa, Alofi, Tamakautoga, and Hakupu.

The day’s atmosphere was electric, as this was one of the largest events to unite all Niueans. Organisers say tickets sold out quickly in the week leading up to the festival.

Due to limited tickets, the organisers set up a large screen outside the venue so that those who could not get tickets could still enjoy the performances.

The day also included displays of traditional arts and crafts and food vendors, all operated by local Niuean businesses.

Whau Pasifika Trust director Faafouina Patisolo described the event as iconic, especially for their chairperson, Ella Falakoa, who performed with her family.

“She was on stage leading with her dad and they were performing her grandmother's compositions,” Patisolo says.

“So her grandmother used to write songs and the Liku village performed two of her grandmother's pieces while her daughter, so her great-granddaughter performed in the front row there. Like this is four generations on the show.”

Tokiofa Arts Academy. Photo/PMN Digital/Eroti Navuku

The enthusiasm and excitement were evident throughout the day.

The people's pride and joy were also evident online, for those who watched the live stream on the Three Star Nation Facebook page.

One Niuean commented, “We are so very proud that this has been brought together with your [Three Star Nation] love and humility. The buildup has been energising, to say the least! … I wish I had the foresight to attend this just to watch and be part of History in the making!”

Another Niuean reflected on the impact on future generations, saying, “Thank you to these generations. This is what my mum wanted all those years ago.”

Another participant compared it to the Te Matatini festival, saying, “Love this!! Feels like we have been watching Niue’s Matatini today.”

There was massive appreciation online for the organisers, Three Star Nation.

The village of Alofi, the capital of Niue. /Photo/PMN Digital/Eroti Navuku

“Fakaaue lahi [thank you] for thinking of us who couldn’t make it and all of the fellow Niueans around the world.”

“Fakaaue lahi for the live streams, grateful to be able to watch everyone in action today. Amazing performances from all villages,” says another commentator

While the organisers initially banned livestreaming for the festival due to prevalent hate comments, Three Star Nation resumed livestreaming for the sake of the community.

The festival ended on a high note, recognising the pioneers of the event, Three Star Nation.

Whether there will be another Hologa Niue Festival remains unknown, but it is clear from last Saturday’s event that the people of Niue are loud and proud of their language and culture and will continue to proudly represent Niue.