WITH eight hours away to the opening of the Rugby World Cup 2011, where the ‘Ikale Tahi takes on the All Blacks, the ongoing nationwide support for the ‘Ikale Tahi is so tremendous.
The Acting Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Lord Tu’i’afitu and Tongatapu 1 MP ‘Akilisi Pohiva, today lead Parliament’s staff in a float parade in Nuku’alofa.
With the actual opening game scheduled for 9:30pm tonight, parliament staff joined the rest of the nation taking to the streets to show a feeling of patriotism.
The parade began from Parliament along Vuna Road to Houmakelikao, Ma’ufanga, Halaleva all the way to Vaiola hospital at Havelu before returning to downtown Nuku’alofa on Taufa’ahau Road.
A Tongan flag was flying from one of the Parliament’s vehicles and the sound of vehicle horns drowning any sounds along streets of Nuku’alofa.
It is a Red mad Friday in Tonga and it is amazing just seeing people in all walks of life wearing red to support the ‘Ikale Tahi team.
People are just going crazy not only dressing but painting their faces in red and white and dancing on the streets while some parading on vehicles with loud music playing ‘Ikale Tahi songs.
To show nationalism, barge vessel the MV Hifofua that is painted all red to support the ‘Ikale Tahi was also seen sailing along the Nuku’alofa waterfront with catchy phrase “ Go ‘Ikale Tahi go” on the side of the boat.
It is a scene never seen in Nuku’alofa.