June 4 is a national holiday in the Kingdom of Tonga, celebrating its full independence
from
Britain.
Located in the Pacific Ocean some 1,250 miles north of New Zealand, the island nation of
Tonga consists of about 150 islands, 36 of which are inhabited.
With a population of about 120,000, Tonga is ruled by a royal family that goes back to
1831.
On June 4, 1863, King George Tupuo I abolished the system of serfdom in the island
nation of Tonga.
The historic occasion is remembered on Emancipation Day, which is celebrated just after
the conclusion of the annual three-day Ha'apai Festival.
The Ha'apai Festival begins on Tonga's outer islands and ends on Lifuka Island on June
4th.
Both the festival and Emancipation Day are marked with feasts and dancing.
Full story:
https://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Tonga+Emancipation+Day
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