The history of Kiribati is not all that impressive owing to its remoteness. Micronesians were here thousands of years ago, though recent history only began around the 19th century after the British arrived. The islands are best known for their raging battle between the US and Japan forces in WWII.

History

Fishermen had inhabited Kiribati for over 2,000 years before the British took control of the main islands towards the end of the 1800’s. England’s Captain Cook stumbled upon Christmas Island in 1777 on Christmas Eve; his discovery marked by the famous Captain Cook Hotel which was built on an abandoned British nuclear military base.

Kiribati itself came a bit later, with the main Gilbert Islands—where the capital of Tarawa is—named after Captain Gilbert, and the nearby Marshall Islands (to the north) after the captain. They became a British Protectorate in 1892, controlled, at the time, by the Solomon Islands. The Line Islands and Phoenix Islands, farther east, would become US territories.

Kiribati became known to the world after the infamous Battle of Tarawa that took place November 20-23, 1943. The US defeated the Japanese occupiers on Betio, albeit with the loss of several thousand men on both sides. Japanese guns remain today and are a popular tourist attraction, along with various shipwrecks that can be explored by divers in South Tarawa. Canton (or Kanton) Island of the Phoenix Group (east of the Gilberts) was also a WWII base and later became a refueling depot for long flights across the Pacific. Kiribati made headlines in the 1950’s and ‘60s as the spot where the UK and US tested thermonuclear weapons near Christmas Island.

Kiribati received autonomy from the UK in 1971, which was followed by independence in 1979, along with the Line and Phoenix groups from the USA. Today, all islands are on the western divide of the International Date Line, which was not always the case. In more recent times, Kiribati had a falling out with France due to the continued testing of nuclear bombs on the Muraroa Atoll in 1995, while rising seawater has since claimed two of the atolls.

Culture

Kiribati is westernized, but the Islands retain traditional customs, evidence of which is best seen during festival time (folk music, dancing and outrigger canoe races) and in the more remote islands, such as the Outer Islands and Banaba. Maneaba communal meeting houses showcase traditional dancing and singing and can be found in all towns and are even part of some hotels. Kiribati culture can also be discerned through its handicrafts and there are markets in every town where visitors can pick up baskets and shark-tooth swords.

The people are friendly and hospitable, and although it is a casual place, women especially should make it a point to cover up when away from the beach. Avoid wearing bikinis in town and a general rule of thumb is to always keep knees and shoulders covered.

Kiribati holidays include an intriguing line-up of events, from the first to celebrate the New Year to a lively independence day “week” and a boisterous Christmas period. Traditional singing and dancing can be enjoyed at all times.

New Year’s Day

Kiribati is the first country in the world to welcome in the New Year, albeit at the Line Islands, and events go off nationwide. All bars and guesthouses have something going on, along with traditional celebrations at the local maneaba (meeting house).

Independence Day

This is the main event on the Kiribati social calendar, celebrating the day the Gilbert Islands gained independence from Great Britain in July of 1979. Though the holiday officially takes place on July 12, the festivities last for several days, starting around the 9th. South Tarawa sees most of the action, including obligatory canoe races, kite-flying and traditional dance, along with wrestling, rugby and other sports ventures.

Youth Day

August 4 sees the forward-thinking government focus its energy on the Kiribati youth, with the promise of better opportunities through various workshops and programs. Churches and meeting houses see most activity.

Christmas

Locals attend church followed by much eating, gift-giving and merriment, just like they do back home. In Kiribati, however, there’s also choir singing, dancing, canoe racing, and a myriad of other sports right up until New Year. Locals also go camping in Taiwan Park and visit nearby islands.

New Year’s Eve

A huge event in Kiribati due to its position in the world, this island nation is the first place to countdown the New Year. There are low-key parties on the beaches and in the towns, while all expat bars and guesthouses put on special events.

Betio Game Fishing Competition

This is a popular event among expats in South Tarawa, with a monthly competition and weight-ins at Captains Bar in Betio to see the biggest catches.

Kiribati Music and Dance

Kiribati folk music and dance is unique to the region, with chanting accompanied by body percussion and guitar, while dance is typically bird-like with costumed performers. Maneaba have music and dance nightly in-season.

Teirake Kaini Kiribati

Teirake kaini Kiribati, Anene ma te kakatonga,
Tauraoi nakon te mwioko, Ma ni buokia aomata.
Tauaninne n te raoiroi, Tangiria aomata nako.
Tauaninne n te raoiroi, Tangiria aomata.

Reken te kabaia ma te rau Ibuakoia kaain abara,
Bon reken te nano ae banin Ma te i-tangitangiri naba.
Ma ni wakina te kab’aia, Ma n neboa i eta abara.
Ma ni wakina te kab’aia, Ma n neboa abara.

Ti butiko ngkoe Atuara Kawakinira ao kairira,
Nakon taai aika i maira, Buokira ni baim ae akoi.
Kakabaia ara Tautaeka Ma ake a makuri iai.
Kakabaia ara Tautaeka Ma aomata ni bane.

Stand up, Kiribati

Stand up, People of Kiribati! Sing with jubilation!
Prepare to accept responsibility and to help each other!
Be steadfastly righteous! Love all our people!
Be steadfastly righteous! Love all our people!

The attainment of contentment and peace by our people
Will be achieved when all our hearts beat as one,
Love two another! Promote happiness and unity!
Love one another! Promote happiness and unity!

We beseech You, O God, To protect and lead us
In the days to come. Help us with Your loving hand.
Bless our Government and all our people!
Bless our Government and all our people!