Capturing the atmosphere at the Pasifika Festival with only a digital camera is virtually impossible. Yet I had to try. This annual Pacific Islands-themed festival took place this past weekend in Auckland New Zealand. Attracting close to 100,000 visitors, it is the largest festival of its type in the world.
The Pasifika celebration represents eleven nations, spread throughout the park in villages. Like the island nation it represents, each village has its own personality. We have been to six of the actual island nations (including New Zealand) and found visiting them at Pasifika to feel different than visiting the villages representing countries that are not personally familiar to us.
The 11 Island nations represented are: Samoa, Tonga, Hawaii, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Cook Islands, Niue, Fiji, Tahiti, Tuvalu, Kiribati, and Tokelau.
As you enjoy these photos, breathe in the aroma of barbecue and other Pasifika flavours, hear the sounds of island music and drumming, visualise the movements, and enjoy the sunshine.
Practical information on attending Pasifika
UPDATE: Pasifika festival 2019 has been cancelled in the wake of the Christchurch mosque terrorist attacks. Pasifika 2020 is scheduled to be bigger and brighter than ever.
- Like many festivals in Auckland, Pasifika is free.
- Pasifika was held at Western Springs Park again this year. It was moved in 2015 due to biosecurity around the Queensland Fruit Fly being found in the area.
- The event is spread throughout the park, so each “village” is distinct. (According to my Fitbit, I walked 8000 steps at the event).
- Car parking is limited. If possible take public transportation.
- Click here if you are looking for other festivals in Auckland.
Have you been to the Pasifika Festival? Is it somewhere you would like to visit?
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Katie Goss
Rhonda,
I enjoyed this very much! Thank you! i am spearheading a fundraising group for Pasifika Enriching Arts of Utah non-profit and I am wondering if I can get permission to use the photo with signs pointing to the different islands?
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Katie. I look forward to seeing your page. I sent you an email with permissions.
Ting
I think you’ve managed to capture the festival wonderfully. Pasifika looks so much fun, colourful and joyful. Would love to go to this. One day I very much hope!
Rhonda Albom
Thanks. It is a fun festival. Maybe next year.
Sarika
Wow! Very beautiful pictures. Good to see that you’re making an effort to preserve the island culture 🙂
Rhonda Albom
New Zealand has a strong Maori influence.
noel
I love festivals like this, glad there is a Hawaiian contingent, how fun and the weather looks perfect to be dancing outdoors.
Rhonda Albom
It was the Hawaiian contingent that made it more difficult for me to decide what to call the areas – are they countries, regions, or something else?
Indah Nuria Savitri
such a colorful festival indeed, Rhonda. And for sure it’s well attended..
Rhonda Albom
It does draw a great and friendly crowd.
Hilary
Hi Rhonda – looks like an amazing festival – and yes I’d love to visit and see the artists performing. Great photos – that pineapple bowl looks quite amazing – delicious .. cheers Hilary
Rhonda Albom
That pineapple bowl is such a cool idea, and Melissa loved it.
Deb Nance
Such beautiful shots!
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Deb.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
WOW! It would have been great to have been there in person. Beautiful photos Rhonda.
Enjoy your day my friend. See ya.
Cruisin Paul
Rhonda Albom
It was pretty cool. Maybe next year for you?
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Raychael.
Ersatz Expat
This looks brilliant – what a wonderful experience
Rhonda Albom
And it’s annual, so I can do it again next year.
Merlinda Little (Glimmer of Hope)
Looks like an amazing event and I am imagining the bbq smell while reading. This is something that I want to see in real life if I can as I am also from the pacific! Thanks for sharing =)
Rhonda Albom
Did they make you hungry? Where in the Pacific are you from?
Trekking with Becky
I love how living some place means that you get to see and experience more culture than if you were only there on vacation. I got to see lots of festivals in Japan, and since you live in Auckland, you got to see this one. It looks GREAT!
Rhonda Albom
We have been doing quite a bit of exploring lately, local travel. we are making all sorts of interesting discoveries.
Lexa Cain
It kinda reminds me of the folklore shows in Hawaii. The pineapple ice cream looks awesome! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Rhonda Albom
Hawaii was one of the 11 pacific regions, and Melissa said the ice cream was awesome.
Pinay Flying High
This looks like fun!!! But what is the festival for? What are they celebrating? 🙂
Rhonda Albom
It’s just an annual festival to celebrate cultural heritage. There is no holiday. Auckland like a good party.
kelleyn rothaermel
Love it! I want that frozen pineapple bowl. Yummy!
Rhonda Albom
The pineapple wasn’t frozen, just carved out, chopped up and mixed in with the ice cream. – yummy
Anda Galffy
What a beautiful celebration, Rhonda! We have something very similar to this at the Polynesian Cultural Center on the island of Oahu. I visited the center some years ago and I was amazed by the performances and the wonderful display of costumes. Like you, I was frustrated that my camera couldn’t quite catch the atmosphere, but still I tried…
Rhonda Albom
I am not surprised, as Hawaii was one of the 11 regions/nations represented at Pasifika.
Alissa Apel
That’s so fun! I love watching other cultures dance, sing, and play instruments. I think the head dresses in the top photo are cool! I want one.
Rhonda Albom
It is the combination of activities on stage that make it all so interesting to watch.
Lady Fi
Wonderful colours – so festive.
Rhonda Albom
It was bright and fun.
Comedy Plus
How fun. I would have enjoyed this experience.
Have a fabulous day Rhonda. 🙂
Rhonda Albom
I am sure you would. Maybe next year.
Karen
It looks like fun! You definitely took me there in my mind with your great photos. 🙂
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Karen.
Patrick Weseman
I would love to go. What a really cool festival it must be. It would be great to go.
Rhonda Albom
You’ll have to wait until next year 🙂
Alex J. Cavanaugh
The dancers look like they’re having a really good time.
Rhonda Albom
I think they were.
Tanja (the Red phone box travels)
it looks really great!
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Tanja.
stevebethere
Loved these pics Rhonda they turned out well nice and clear …all those great outfits and colours what fun oh and I want that ice cream haha!
Have a leisurelytastic week 🙂
Rhonda Albom
The traditional and national costumes are so cool.
Nancy
VERY cool!
These are great shots. I love the smiles of the faces of the men in the first shot. You caught them at a great moment.
Rhonda Albom
I tried standing directly in front, but the sun glare was too strong. I just had to wait a while for them to turn.
[email protected]
Looks like a fabulous festival, and your fitbit was obviously happy with you!
Rhonda Albom
My fitbit usually gets a good work out.
Amila @ Leisure and Me
It is really interesting to see such dancers.They all look so happy!
Rhonda Albom
I think the general happy atmosphere was one of the highlights of the festival.