What are the Village Show Days in Niue?(c) niuepocketguide.com
What are the Village Show Days in Niue?

What are the Village Show Days in Niue?

(c) niuepocketguide.com

The Guide to the Niue Village Show Days and Marine Days

The life and blood of the Niuean culture are in its 14 villages, where each one hosts its own Village Show Day once a year. The village show days in Niue are unmissable, providing a morning of fun, food and infectious community spirit. Head down to one of the Village Show Days, or similarly, Marine Days, in Niue for a real dose of authentic Niuean culture.

For more information on each of the villages in Niue, see A Guide to the Villages in Niue.

When are the Village Show Days?

Each of the Niuean villages hosts its own Show Day one day a year. The show day season is between April and November. So with 14 villages, there are 14 opportunities between April and November to catch a Village Show Day.

Show Day dates change each year, announced throughout the year. They are typically held on a Saturday and start early morning until midday. See the Niue Tourism events page to see the latest confirmed Show Day dates.

What are the Village Show Days in Niue?© Niue Tourism

What Happens at a Village Show Day?

A village show day in Niue showcases what the Niuean culture is all about: community, food, crafts and fun!

Handicrafts

The villages’ women are talented craftspeople, making all sorts of woven items and jewellery for sale. Popular handicrafts include woven practical items, like bags, placemats, coasters, bowls, fans and more. Jewellery is made from tiny yellow snail shells (hihi) that have been collected in the forest. While you have no obligation to buy any crafts, just know that everything you see is individually handmade, so you won’t get another chance to buy when they sell out!

For more opportunities to purchase amazing crafts, check out Where to Buy the Best Souvenirs in Niue.

What are the Village Show Days in Niue?© Niue Tourism

Dancing and Singing

Niueans love to sing and dance and Polynesian-style performances are all part of the Show Day experience. There is usually a stage or a performance area set up for entertainment to be performed, typically from the local school children.

Food

Food is a huge part of the Village Show Day experience where not only can you browse stalls of locally-grown produce but also grab some hot food from the umu! Umu is a traditional underground oven where pigs and chickens are slow-cooked alongside root vegetables and other local delicacies. It’s also your chance to try the revered uga (coconut crab), which often takes centre stage for village events.

Discover more Niuean cuisine to try in the 10 Unique Foods in Niue You Have to Try, as well as beverages in the 5 Drinks in Niue You Have to Try.

What are the Village Show Days in Niue?© Niue Tourism

Games and Competitions

Finally, a Village Show Day is not complete without some healthy competition and we mean that in the literal sense with local fruit and vegetables being judged! There are also competitions for the best woven crafts, the best embroidery, the biggest uga and more. Games also get underway, from spear-throwing to crab racing.

Dive into detail on different aspects of the local culture in The Guide to the Niuean Culture for Travellers.

What are the Village Show Days in Niue?© Niue Tourism

Niue Village Marine Days

As well as Village Show Days, some of Niue’s villages host Marine Days, typically during the same week as their Village Show Day.

Marine Days are days to celebrate the bounty of the sea, with reef fishing competitions, vaka (canoe) fishing competitions and more. The catch is celebrated at a community barbecue.

Barbecues typically take place in the evening at the village’s main sea track, where it’s customary to bring a contribution to the meal if you want to take part.

What are the Village Show Days in Niue?(c) Mike Bhana - Niue Tourism

Other Events in Niue

If you miss out on a Village Show Day or Marine Day, then there are plenty of other events that happen in Niue either once a year or once every two years. There are often community celebrations for holidays, such as Christmas, as well as some of the following events…

Takai

Happening on the first weekend after the New Year, Takai celebrates the New Year in this traditional Niuean event with a modern twist. Locals decorate their vehicles and drive from village to village giving out candy to passers-by. Check out What is Takai in Niue? (How Niueans Celebrate New Year) for more details.

Niue Arts and Culture Festival

A biannual event, the Niue Arts and Culture Festival typically falls around Easter, with a week of celebrations! See cultural activities happening in various villages around the island, from cultural performances to art exhibitions to yam-blessing ceremonies. Crafting, cooking, eating, it’s all happening in this multi-day event.

Ride the Rock

Previously known as “Round the Rock” and “Rally of the Rock”, Ride the Rock is an annual bike race around the island with two types of races to compete in. It’s a good excuse to ride the stunning bush trails and quiet ring roads around the island with like-minded enthusiasts.

And there’s much more as listed in the 10 Biggest Events in Niue.

More About Village Show Days and Marine Days in Niue

That’s it for our guide on village show days and marine days in Niue, but that’s not all that’s worth celebrating on the island! Take a look at the following guides to more of Niue’s events:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Top Events & Festivals in Niue.

Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Niue Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Niue. She knows the island inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Niue’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

Was this article useful?

Facebook
Pinterest
Twitter