The story
Kiribati Special Day in Tarawa/Multi-island
Kiribati Special Day marks the country's Independence Day, a multi-day national celebration centered in South Tarawa that builds from early July toward the July 12 anniversary. Communities gather for Kiribati Cultural Day, traditional outrigger canoe races, the Kiribati Traditional Dance Competition, the Miss Kiribati pageant, the Kiribati Idol singing contest and traditional wrestling, alongside maneaba ceremonies and choral performances that anchor the festivities in Gilbertese custom.
Kiribati Special Day centers on the country's Independence Day, marked each year on July 12 with festivities that begin building several days earlier, drawing the nation's attention to South Tarawa, the administrative heart of this scattered Pacific island nation.