The residents of Veitongo are expected to adorn Taufa’āhau main road with the traditional Tongan red carpet, referred to as fola ngatu or fola fala, in honour of the Pacific leaders.
The fola ngatu roll-out is expected to cover several hundred meters of a section of the main road between Fua’amotu International Airport and Nuku’alofa, at Veitongo village.
The 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Week, taking place in Nuku’alofa from Monday 26 to Friday 30, will bring together leaders from 18 Pacific countries.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is making his first visit to the Pacific in five years. He will be joined by the US Deputy Secretary Kirk Campbell.
While in Tonga, the UN Secretary will visit sites still recovering from the 2022 tsunami, engage in a PIF dialogue with leaders, and host bilateral meetings.
A spokesman for the Secretary-General hoped the visit would “raise awareness of the importance of climate action measures including early warning systems, adaptation and mitigation”.
Some of the leaders are also expected to visit some towns and villages in Tonga.
Villagers from various settlements expressed interest in hosting any of the leaders, yet only a select few were able to secure the opportunity.
This included Tatakamotonga town, where the UN secretary is expected to welcome him as part of his planned visits around the kingdom.
Veitongo herald Fīfī told Kaniva News it was traditional practice for his residents to roll out the ngatu on occasions like this.
“’Io koe fuu mea mahino pe ia ki he kolo he gaahi katoanga peheni osi pau pe fola gatu ia nae ui pe fono tala atu kihe kakai ke teuteu kihe monite kaha’u”, Fīfī said in Tongan, meaning the residents had held a fono recently in which they were told to get prepared for the fola ngatu on Monday for the leaders.
Veitongo’s nextdoor village Vainī is expected to also perform the fola ngatu, something they often did previously.
Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku said this week that he wanted to highlight cultural activities during the leaders’ summit to promote Tongan traditions.
The Pacific Islands Forum brings regional leaders together annually to find solutions to common issues and work toward a secure and prosperous Pacific Region for all its people.
Fola ngatu and fola fala practice
The fola ngatu roll-out is traditionally used to mark the route taken by the monarchs, royals and chiefs on ceremonial and formal occasions. In recent decades, it has been extended to use by VIPs and celebrities at formal events.
Sometimes, the fola fala (mat-rollout) is used instead of ngatu, or a mixture of both is used for certain occasions.
In Tongan, ngatu or tapa cloths and fala hold deep traditional significance as ceremonial gifts. These beautifully crafted items are often given as souvenirs or tokens of appreciation during special occasions and events.
