Capturing the atmosphere at the Pasifika Festival with only a digital cameral 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.
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:
The drumming attracted huge crowds to this Cook Island stage, it was the dancers that kept us there.
Hawaiian hula dancers
Performers at the Tonga section
A school group represent Hawaiian Dance
Two scoops of ice cream, pineapple pieces combined in a pineapple bowl. Refreshing, delicious, and somewhat healthy (at least it has fruit).
Crowds varied by performance. This was one of the larger ones.
Tahitian dancers with drums played just behind them.
Each of the 11 authentic Pacific Island villages had their own performance stage and marketplace.
Practical Information:
- 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 in the park, so each “village” is distinct. (According to my Fitbit, I walked 8000 steps at the event).
- The 11 Island nations were: Samoa, Tonga, Hawaii, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Cook Islands, Niue, Fiji, Tahiti, Tuvalu, Kiribati, and Tokelau.
Have you been to the Pasifika Festival? Is it somewhere you would like to visit?
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It is really interesting to see such dancers.They all look so happy!
I think the general happy atmosphere was one of the highlights of the festival.
Looks like a fabulous festival, and your fitbit was obviously happy with you!
My fitbit usually gets a good work out.
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.
Thanks for sharing at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2016/03/the-fight-continues.html
I tried standing directly in front, but the sun glare was too strong. I just had to wait a while for them to turn.
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 🙂
The traditional and national costumes are so cool.
it looks really great!
Thanks Tanja.
The dancers look like they’re having a really good time.
I think they were.
I would love to go. What a really cool festival it must be. It would be great to go.
You’ll have to wait until next year 🙂
It looks like fun! You definitely took me there in my mind with your great photos. 🙂
Thanks Karen.
Great captures and what an interesting festival.
Thanks Raychael.
How fun. I would have enjoyed this experience.
Have a fabulous day Rhonda. 🙂
I am sure you would. Maybe next year.
Wonderful colours – so festive.
It was bright and fun.
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.
It is the combination of activities on stage that make it all so interesting to watch.
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…
I am not surprised, as Hawaii was one of the 11 regions/nations represented at Pasifika.
Love it! I want that frozen pineapple bowl. Yummy!
http://travelingbugwiththreeboys-kelleyn.blogspot.com/2016/03/baby-l.html
The pineapple wasn’t frozen, just carved out, chopped up and mixed in with the ice cream. – yummy
This looks like fun!!! But what is the festival for? What are they celebrating? 🙂
It’s just an annual festival to celebrate cultural heritage. There is no holiday. Auckland like a good party.
It kinda reminds me of the folklore shows in Hawaii. The pineapple ice cream looks awesome! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Hawaii was one of the 11 pacific regions, and Melissa said the ice cream was awesome.
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!
Thanks for linking this up for #Expat Tuesday! 😀
We have been doing quite a bit of exploring lately, local travel. we are making all sorts of interesting discoveries.
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 =)
Did they make you hungry? Where in the Pacific are you from?
This looks brilliant – what a wonderful experience
And it’s annual, so I can do it again next year.
WOW! It would have been great to have been there in person. Beautiful photos Rhonda.
Enjoy your day my friend. See ya.
Cruisin Paul
It was pretty cool. Maybe next year for you?
Such beautiful shots!
http://readerbuzz.blogspot.com/2016/03/bluebonnets-andpink-bonnets.html
Thanks Deb.
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
That pineapple bowl is such a cool idea, and Melissa loved it.
such a colorful festival indeed, Rhonda. And for sure it’s well attended..
It does draw a great and friendly crowd.
I love festivals like this, glad there is a Hawaiian contingent, how fun and the weather looks perfect to be dancing outdoors.
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?
Wow! Very beautiful pictures. Good to see that you’re making an effort to preserve the island culture 🙂
New Zealand has a strong Maori influence.
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! Thanks for sharing on #MondayEscapes
Thanks. It is a fun festival. Maybe next year.