Each year the King of Tonga visits the island groups during their agriculture festival. The locals are recognized for their crops, livestock, art, and handicrafts. Each of the category winners get called up to the front of the assembly and is presented with a certificate from the King himself. It is a great honor to win and be recognized by the King. After all the awards are presented, the King walks around the booths and is showered with gifts from the participants. I happened to be in a booth when the King’s guards entered and asked me to sit down while the King looked around. We exchanged hellos as he passed by. It reminded me of the last time I was in Tonga (1995) and got to meet his brother, the crown prince at the time and later, the previous King. Tongans must have a genetic predisposition to smiling as everyone, even the King, is always smiling. Laughter echoes in every village. Kids run and play freely. Music is respectfully ever-present. Its the good life here in the Friendly Isles.

Waiting for the King

The Royal Flag

The King’s escort

HM1 (His Majesty 1)

Driving by

With the Royal Umbrella Holder

Garlic and Tomatoes

Dancing before the King

Clothing mats

Winners walking up to meet the King

King of the Friendly Isles

Dancing lady

The MC of the assembly, dancing away before the King’s arrival.

Price winning veggies

Those are some big yams!

Dancer

1st place carvings