Discover Tonga: 6 Amazing Fun Facts You Never Knew About This Island Paradise

1. Monopoly-esque Emancipation Day

In a royal game of Monopoly gone right, Tonga's King George Tupou I thought to himself: "Serfs, you are Free Parking today!": June 5th marks Emancipation Day in Tonga, celebrating the abolishment of serfdom by King George Tupou I back in 1862—a true testament to the nation's quest for social equality! Just don't forget to check the schedule of non-operating banks and institutions, or you might miss out on collecting your $200 as you pass "Go."
Source => bank-holidays.com

2. Time-traveling neighbors

When life gives you a time machine, skip a day: In 2011, Samoa and Tokelau effectively fast-forwarded through time by jumping across the International Date Line, simply to improve trade ties with their swanky neighbors, Australia and New Zealand.
Source => bbc.com

Did you know that the ancient Lapita culture sailed across the Pacific, introducing pigs, chickens, and staple crops to Samoa? Discover how they shaped the region's culinary palette like a gastronomic Christopher Columbus!

=> Fun Facts about Samoa

3. Tongan Adventists defy time

In the land of the "coconut wireless" where news travels faster than a sprinting Usain Bolt, even the Seventh-day Adventists defy time itself in their pursuit of piety: despite living on the "Sunday side" of the international date line, Tongan Adventists keep the Sabbath on commercially recognized Sundays – in adherence to religious beliefs – courageously standing firm against time-traveling temptations while others enjoy a day of worship and rest on the same day.
Source => ministrymagazine.org

4. BBQ pit underground

Move over, MasterChef: Tonga's got a BBQ pit that will have you digging for more! In Tonga, they cook up a feast using an underground oven called ngoto 'umu: layers of sticks and logs burn, heating rocks that then cook various meats, all seasoned with salt, onions, and coconut milk, and wrapped in taro and banana leaves, resulting in a large meal for Sundays and special occasions.
Source => nomoa.com

5. Royal spotlight on coins

Move over, celebrities, royalty is stealing the spotlight on these coins: Tonga's pa'anga coins not only feature the late King Taufa'ahau Tupou, but also showcase everyday items like bananas, chickens, and pigs in their designs.
Source => frommers.com

6. Fashionably early New Year

If you love being fashionably early to the party, Tonga is the ultimate destination for a truly timely celebration: situated in the UTC+13 time zone, this South Pacific gem is among the first countries to welcome the new year, with no daylight saving time adjustments to tamper with their punctual festivities.
Source => worlddata.info