Fête Nationale in NouméaNot-to-be-missed events
January February March
Female tennis player hitting a ball with forehand volleyballAmong the sixteen French cities that host ATP World Tour tennis tournaments, Nouméa stands proud as one. Since 2004, the Ouen Toro courts have welcomed the Internationals, which serve as preparation for the Australian Open. Formerly known as the Challenger Nouméa, the BNC Tennis Open often hosts players who later achieve greatness. Join the players and spectators in the tennis fun!
Chateaubriand beach on Lifou loyalty islandEvery year at the beginning of January, the Luecila tribe, near Chateaubriand, welcomes visitors for days packed with musical, sporting and traditional activities. The programme varies from year to year, but the Miss Lifou and Miss Luecila elections and the preparation and tasting of a giant bougna are always on the agenda! If you’re visiting Lifou, don’t miss this annual event.
April
May
Ultra Trail New CaledoniaOrganised by the association L’Union des Trailers de Nouvelle-Calédonie, the Trails Festival takes place in the commune of Le Mont-Dore at Les Piroguiers de Plum. The route takes runners through the Blue River Park, and then onto portions of the GR NC1 as well as trails reopened by the association in the Great South.
June
Music concert in Nouméa, New CaledoniaNew Caledonia is no exception to the Music Festival tradition. From north to south, east to west, the territory comes alive with the sounds of international classics and two of the country’s leading musical styles: country and kaneka, a clever blend of Melanesian rhythms and rock, reggae and soul! The best way to enjoy it is in one of the capital’s many bars, or in one of the archipelago’s hotels or restaurants!
July
Fête Nationale in Nouméa, New CaledoniaNew Caledonia embraces this historic two-day celebration with military parades, fireworks, dances, torchlight processions, and wreath-laying ceremonies. It’s a must for young and old, locals, and visitors alike. Nouméa’s fireworks display rivals the best in mainland France.
August
September
Nouméa CarnivalEvery year, the carnival lights up Nouméa’s city centre from Place Bir Hakeim to Place des Cocotiers, featuring floats, colourful costumes, music, dance, and a magnificent fireworks display that enchants over 20,000 people.
Visit a fair market in the Loyalty IslandsEvery year, the fair takes place on one of the three Loyalty Islands (Maré, Lifou and Ouvéa). In 2024, Ouvéa, in the Nyimëhë tribe, will be the venue for an immersion in Kanak culture! The flavours of the islands will be showcased at a large local market, where you can taste and buy a wide range of fresh local produce. Competitions, games and events are organised throughout the weekend, including a fashion show, election of the Misses, singing and dancing shows, hikes, tours, canoe races and other water-based activities.
Parade at the Koumac FairOne of New Caledonia’s most famous agricultural fairs, the Foire de Koumac et du Nord takes place over 3 days in the town of the same name. Highly acclaimed by the country’s breeders, producers and farmers, the event attracts over 15,000 visitors. It’s the perfect opportunity to plan a trip to the Far North and immerse yourself in the world of the Broussards (French cowboys) of Western New Caledonia!
October
Hiking to the summit of Pic Nga on Île des PinsThe ‘Raid de l’Île des Pins’ always marks the end of the trail season in New Caledonia! It’s a unique race that will blow your mind! It finishes on the magnificent Kanuméra beach, opposite the Nataïwatch gîte. The race ends with an evening show and buffet. The next day is freed to enjoy the island and its activities.
Handicraft store at the Noumea marketThis unmissable event in Nouméa opens its doors to a vast area of 10,000 m², where hundreds of exhibitors gather. Every year, thousands of visitors come to discover the latest trends in crafts, local production, gardening, housing, catering, and much more. It’s the perfect opportunity to find unique treasures and leave with exceptional gifts. A Pacific country is also honoured at each edition, offering a rich cultural experience.
November December
Luengoni Beach, LifouWhat better place to celebrate the beach than Lifou, the largest of the Loyalty Islands? The Luengöni tribe, with one of the most beautiful stretches of sand on the island, is an ideal location for this convivial event. On the agenda: musical entertainment, film screenings, local art and food. The festival is organised around the Loyalty Islands Triathlon. Numerous sporting activities complete the event: beach volleyball, swimming, scuba diving, beach soccer…
Lifou marketEvery year, the Loyalty Island of Maré celebrates the avocado and… the wajuyu – or snapper – over a colourful weekend. It’s an opportunity to discover the island in a whole new light, with Kanak customary ceremonies, tastings of this famous fish, fishing demonstrations and sightseeing tours organised by the locals. Take advantage of the festival to try out tribal hospitality and taste the famous bougna!
Yédjélé beach, MaréCome and join us in Maré, specifically in the Eni tribe, for a celebration of the Fête du Littoral! It’s a unique opportunity to explore and relish fresh seafood, enjoy lobster with the locals, and engage in conversations about the customs and everyday life of the Kanak tribe.
Nouméa Festival of LightExperience a tropical Christmas in a picturesque setting! Each year, the Nouméa Town Hall goes above and beyond to revive the enchantment of Christmas. Starting from mid-December, the heart of the city and its waterfront areas adorn themselves with their most splendid Christmas decorations and come alive with the festive sounds of Christmas performances, including carol singing, storytelling, and Santa Claus attractions. It’s a guarantee of fantastic family enjoyment!
