Popular Cook Island Festivals & Events

11th to 20th September will see Cook Islands celebrating Te Maeva Nui that is an annual cultural festivity of music and dance. The Constitution Celebrations re-named Te Maeva Nui in Maori captures the essence and joy of the festival.

Each year, performing artists from Rarotonga and the outer islands gather at the National Auditorium in Rarotonga to present new dances, songs, drum beats and costumes expressing the cultural theme chosen for that particular year.

It is also the time when the creative community of the Cook Islands gathers on the capital island. Contemporary and traditional visual arts exhibitions are staged and ancient and modern sports are played between the islands. Other events include coconut husking and the Maori food festival.

This most important event celebrating self rule is normally held around August 4th that is the Constitution Day. This year celebrations are moved to September in order to coincide with the Pacific Games, another big event at the time.

Cook Islanders have a passion for dance and each year there's a keenly fought competition to find the best dancers from across the Islands. Events are held for juniors, intermediates, seniors and "golden oldies".