Escape Magazine ESCAPE 29 | Page 96

what's on Throughout the year we find many reasons to celebrate and have fun, and there’s always plenty to do and see on Rarotonga and her sister islands. As most Cook Islanders are willing sports participants, you’ll find a multitude of sports codes and clubs active throughout the islands, where you are always welcome to visit. As for festivals and celebratory events, it is certain that you will always find something of interest taking place. JULY Tiurai Friday 5th ‘Ra o te Ui Ariki’ (Ariki Day) – public holiday Friday 19th Atiu Gospel Day Friday 19th School Term 2 complete – School Holidays begin Sunday 21st Mitiaro Gospel Day Tepetema Sunday 1st Fathers Day Thursday 19th to Wednesday 25th Round Rarotonga Road Race OCTOBER 'Okotopa Friday 4th School Term 3 complete – School Holidays begin Friday 26th - Monday 5th August Te Maeva Nui celebrations 2019 ‘Aukute Sunday 4th Constitution Day Monday 5th Constitution Day public holiday observed A weeklong festival that attracts a large number of international paddlers. Vaka Eiva has been referred to as “the most fun event on the paddling planet!” Wednesday 27th to Tuesday 3rd December Netball in Paradise DECEMBER Titema Monday 3rd to Thursday 6th Motu 2 Motu – in Aitutaki Friday 25th Aitutaki Gospel Day Friday 6th Pukapuka Gospel Day Saturday 26th National Gospel Day Friday 13th School Term 4 complete – School Holidays begin Monday 21st School Term 4 begins Tuesday 23rd Mauke Gospel Day AUGUST SEPTEMBER NOVEMBER Wednesday 25th Christmas Day Noema Friday 1st Turama - on Rarotonga this is when the people decorate graves with flowers and candles and talk about the good times when their loved ones were alive. Friday 1st to Saturday 2nd Cook Islands International Rugby 7’s, come and see great 7’s rugby in a Rarotongan setting Thursday 7th Te Mire Atu - composers competition Thursday 26th Boxing Day JANUARY 2020 Tiānuare Wednesday 1st New Year’s Day – Public Holiday Thursday 2nd Day after New Year’s Day – Public Holiday Thursday 8th Manahiki Gospel Day Friday 22nd to Friday 29th Te Mire Tiare Flower Festival N.B. All events take place on Rarotonga, unless stated otherwise. Dates and events are provided courtesy of Cook Islands Tourism Corporation and were correct at time of publication, but subject to change without notice. Thursday 15th Rakahanga Gospel Day Monday 25th to Friday 29th Vaka Eiva 2019 Canoeing Festival Visitors are advised to confirm event dates with the Visitor Information Centre – phone (682) 29435. Tuesday 6th School Term 3 begins 96 • Escape Magazine