Events & Festivals in Solomon Islands

A national public holiday marking the start of the new year. Expect church services, family gatherings, and low-key community events. In Honiara, there may be small public concerts or gatherings at the waterfront. It's a day of rest and reflection after the Christmas season.

A lively celebration marking the post-holiday reopening and revitalization of Honiara's main produce market. Features special stalls with seasonal fruits, local crafts, and traditional food. Often includes music and performances to draw in the community for the new year's first major shop.

A significant feast day in the Catholic calendar, celebrated with special Masses, processions, and communal feasts (kakamora) in Catholic-majority villages and parishes. It's a day of devotion, community bonding, and sharing traditional foods.

A monthly or bi-monthly series of cultural showcases organized by the National Museum. Features traditional dance troupes from different provinces, demonstrations of shell money making, wood carving, and storytelling sessions. A key hub for preserving and presenting indigenous arts.

The most solemn and significant religious period in the Christian-majority Solomon Islands. Features Passion plays, overnight church vigils, solemn processions re-enacting the Stations of the Cross, and special hymns. Easter Sunday is a joyful celebration with feasts.

The country's premier multi-sport event, held every 2-4 years (often in April). Athletes from all provinces compete in sports like athletics, volleyball, soccer, basketball, and traditional canoe racing. A major event fostering national unity and sporting talent.

A major exhibition promoting local agriculture, fisheries, and small businesses. Farmers display prize livestock and produce, while stalls sell handicrafts, tools, and local foods. Includes cooking demonstrations and competitions for the largest yam or coconut crab.

A national public holiday. Marked by an official flag-raising ceremony and parade by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) in Honiara. A day off for most, spent with family or at community sports matches.

A week-long festival in the Western Province celebrating fishing, culture, and community. The highlight is the international game fishing tournament targeting marlin. Also features canoe races, traditional dancing, shell money auctions, and a 'Miss Marlin' pageant.

The Solomon Islands' most important national day, celebrating independence from Britain in 1978. Centered on a massive parade in Honiara with floats, marching bands, and cultural groups from all provinces. Followed by speeches, sports competitions, and evening concerts.

A unique festival in Malaita celebrating the traditional currency and artistry of shell money (tafuliae). Artisans demonstrate the painstaking process of making shell money, and there are displays, sales, and cultural performances explaining its deep social and ceremonial significance.

A lively urban festival showcasing Honiara's diversity. Features street parades, live music stages with local bands (often playing 'Solomon Pop' and reggae), food stalls, fashion shows, and family-friendly activities. A modern, lively celebration of capital city life.

Held in the remote Temotu Province, this festival celebrates the renowned voyaging and canoe-building traditions of the Santa Cruz people. Features races of traditional outrigger canoes (tomokos), navigation demonstrations, and rituals connected to the sea.

A major competition where school choirs and bands from across the nation converge to perform. Repertoire includes traditional Solomon Islands songs, hymns, and contemporary pieces. A showcase of incredible vocal harmony, which is a cornerstone of local music.

Organized by the Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau, this day promotes local tourism. Activities may include cultural performances at heritage sites, guided tours, and workshops on traditional crafts open to the public. Focuses on sustainable and community-based tourism.

A cultural festival on Rennell Island celebrating the unique Polynesian heritage of the Renbell people. Highlights include traditional 'Takuu' singing and dancing, storytelling, handicraft displays, and demonstrations of life around East Rennell's UNESCO World Heritage-listed lake.

A holy day of obligation in the Catholic Church, observed with special Masses. Many families visit cemeteries to clean and decorate the graves of loved ones with flowers and candles, creating a peaceful, communal atmosphere of remembrance.

A popular seasonal night market showcasing local culinary talent and crafts. Stalls sell a wide variety of prepared foods, from grilled fish and local curries to tropical fruit desserts. A great place to sample diverse Solomon Islands flavors in one location.

Communities and churches across the islands decorate with lights and hold nightly carol singing in the weeks leading up to Christmas. In Honiara, there may be a large public carols by candlelight event. A festive, family-oriented celebration of the season.

The biggest family celebration of the year. Christmas Day is spent at church and then at large family feasts (kakamora). Boxing Day is for visiting extended family, playing community sports, and relaxing. A time of generosity, gift-giving, and abundant traditional food.