The community of Wallis and Futuna gathered this Sunday, September 29 at the Fale Fono in Païta in honor of Veylma Falaeo, elected head of Congress last month. This day was organized by the Mua district, around a kava ceremony. An important moment considered by the approximately three hundred guests present as a second inauguration for the new president.
Just a month ago, Veylma Falaeo climbed onto the perch at Place Vauban. The community of Wallis and Futuna celebrated the inauguration of the President of the Congress, this Sunday, September 29, at the Fale Fono in Païta.
Preparations began at first light. The traditional chiefs, representatives of the three kingdoms of Wallis and Futuna, are the first to enter the site, followed by the guests and finally the President of the Congress, accompanied by her family.
Silence settles. The kava ceremony can begin. After a speech of welcome and thanks, the Faikavaexperts in the art of preparing this ancestral drink based on kava roots, get to work.
The beverage is then shared between the customary personalities. The last shell goes to the President of Congress. A gesture which marks the end of a ceremony organized by the Councilorunderstand the leader, of Mua. The district from which the new president Veylma Falaeo comes.
“It was important for the children of Wallis and Futuna to organize this day in honor of Veylmaestimates Elia Manuopuava, head of the Mua district. Her inauguration makes us all the more happy as it is a child who comes from Palokia, the parish over which I preside.”.
A moment of pride and emotion for the new President of the Congress.“In the history of New Caledonia I am the first woman to access this position, Caledonian, of Wallisian and Futunian origin. Everyone is happy and simply wishes that I can work in the interest of all for a Better and serene Caledonia.”
For her father, Augustin Falaeo, this ceremony seals the inauguration of his daughter at the head of Congress. “Despite the difficulties of the Wallisian and Futunian families, they insisted on organizing a Kava. The Kava, which is essential for us in custom, what it means is that we recognize my daughter by the position she currently occupies”.
Time to party. The guests are first invited to share a large meal and will then let traditional dances punctuate the rest of the day.
