Mardi gras

February 
An entertaining afternoon.  Fancy dress and confetti are a must.  Crêpes, drinks, games, dancing and face-painting stands are provided for all children. 

Fête de la Musique – Music Festival

June
Over 80 amateur and professional groups perform in more than 12 venues, in what is the city centre’s largest musical performance.  

Lantern parade  

13 July 2013
Distribution of 3,500 lanterns and a parade with the City Council and the Junior City Councillor.  Entertainment at the Music Kiosk, a funfair in Place de la Marne and a firework display from the Town Hall roof. 

Carnival

August
Associations, groups and community centres are invited to participate in the Noumea Carnival (which celebrated its 25 years in 2012).  Giant screens are set up along the parade route at avenue de la Victoire and Jules Ferry, so that everyone can enjoy the entire show « live ».  .

Régate des touques - Oil drum regatta  

Around forty teams of 12 - companies, groups and associations - compete on the water at Anse Vata, balancing on homemade rafts made of oil drums and using oars, pedaloes or sails to propel themselves to the finishing line. 

Christmas illuminations

December
For a month over the Christmas period, everyone in Noumea can admire the illuminations put in place for the Festive Season’s celebrations (at the Music Kiosk, the Town Museum, the Town Hall terrace, Place des Cocotiers, the Markets, Baie de l’Orphelinat and other areas).

Letters to Father Christmas 

23 December 2013
The letter box for Father Christmas is set up in Coconut Square and children are encouraged to come along and post their letters.  Entertainment organised at the Music Kiosk.

Arrival of Father Christmas   

24 December 2013
Thousands of children gather around the Céleste Fountain in order to see and touch Father Christmas.  He rides around Place des Cocotiers (Coconut Square) on his sleigh before the Mayor presents him with the keys to all the houses in Noumea!

Firework display  

January
To celebrate the New Year, a huge fireworks display, accompanied by music, takes place on the Petite Rade (small harbour).