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AUGUST4-10: CONSTITUTION CELEBRATIONS
The most important event in the Cook Islands calendar is Constitution Day. Celebrations mark the day the Islands attained independence on August 4, 1965. In Rarotonga, the occasion is marked by traditional singing, dancing, drum-beating, coconut husking, ancient games and a parade of floats.

This colourful festival includes a parade with flower-covered floats, the Miss Tiare beauty pageant and a competition for the best decorated government building.

THIS YEAR'S MISS COOK ISLANDS....

...is Noovai Karen Tylor (Miss Tapaki Group) She's a 23 year old corporate lawyer. Noovai says she enjoys all sports art, nutrition, creative writing, socialising, youth development interests, reading and new experiences. Among her ambitions is to assist in the sustainable development of the Cook Islands. She took the title on September 18th 2004. The pictures are from the Miss Cook Islands web site where you can find out more about the contest and see some of the previous winners.

You'll have to wait until 2006 before you can see the next contest. The event, organised by the Miss Cook Islands Pageant Association, is held only every other year.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
These are in addition to Christmas, New Year and Easter holidays

26 APRIL                    Anzac Day observed (all islands)
7 JUNE                        Queen's Birthday (all islands)
19 JULY                      Mangaia Gospel Day (holiday in Mangaia)
20 JULY                      Atiu Gospel Day (holiday in Atiu)
21 JULY                      Mitiaro Gospel Day (holiday in Mitiaro)
26 JULY                      Rarotonga Gospel Day (all islands)
26 OCTOBER               National Gospel Day (all islands)
                                  Known as the Nuku, this is religious drama. Islanders act out biblical stories

The Cook Island Canoeing Association is hosting the inaugural Rarotonga Vaka Eiva - a series of canoeing races including a round Rarotonga relay for the Pacific Cup. They're hoping to attract entries from all over the world. The Association has set up its own web site with full details.

27 OCTOBER Aitutaki Gospel Day (holiday in Aitutaki)
8 DECEMBER Pukapuka Gospel Day (holiday in Pukapuka)

You can find a calendar of all events in the Cook Islands by clicking here.