Kiribati Tarawa History: A Look at the Island's Rich Cultural Heritage



Kiribati Tarawa is an island in the Central Pacific Ocean, located near the equator and halfway between Hawaii and Australia. It is part of the Gilbert Islands, a group of coral atolls that make up the Republic of Kiribati. The island is home to a unique culture that has been shaped by its geography, its people, and its history.

The first inhabitants of Kiribati Tarawa were the Gilbertese, a Polynesian people who settled the island around 2000 BC. The island was colonized by the British in 1892 and remained under their control until 1979, when it gained its independence. During the colonial period, the island was known as the Gilbert and Ellice Islands, and the people were referred to as the I-Kiribati.

Kiribati Tarawa is a small island, measuring just 12 miles long and 2.5 miles wide. Despite its size, the island has a rich cultural heritage. The people of Kiribati Tarawa are proud of their heritage and have preserved many of their traditional customs and beliefs.

The traditional culture of Kiribati Tarawa is based on the ancient Polynesian religion of Te Kaitu'u. This religion is still practiced today, and many of the island's cultural traditions are based on it. The most important of these traditions is the Kava ceremony, a ritual that is performed to honor the gods and ancestors. Other important cultural practices include the mwaneaba, a meeting house where the islanders gather to discuss important issues; the te bwaneaba, a ceremonial house where the islanders perform traditional dances; and the te kabwaa, a traditional fishing technique used to catch tuna.

Kiribati Tarawa is also home to a number of unique festivals and celebrations that are held throughout the year. The most important of these is the Te Maeva Nui, a national holiday that celebrates the independence of Kiribati. Other important festivals include the Te Ruaabu, a harvest festival; the Te Maeva Nui, a celebration of the new year; and the Te Maeva Nui, a celebration of the island's culture.

Kiribati Tarawa is also home to a number of interesting historical sites. The island was once home to a British military base, and the ruins of this base can still be seen today. Other historical sites include the World War II battlefields, the Japanese war cemetery, and the remains of the old British fort.

Kiribati Tarawa is an island with a rich cultural heritage and a fascinating history. Its people are proud of their heritage and continue to practice many of their traditional customs and beliefs. The island is a great place to visit if you are looking to experience a unique culture and learn more about the history of the region.