On the 31st December 'Okalolies' (men in costumes and scary masks) wander about the village to chase and capture any children or ladies outdoors. The fishing dong is sounded to ring in the New Year.

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Event News

Old Year's Night 2016

Photo report from Dawn Repetto

We had a lovely Old Year's Night on Tristan, it was a bit windy on the day but at least it was sunny and dry. The community had a busy day preparing for the festivities in the evening and patiently waiting for the Okalolies/Okaholies to visit. At around 3:30pm the Okaholies were on the move but they did not race the ladies who were locked up in doors by this time. There was a very good turnout of Okaholies, to which we are very grateful to these island men for keeping this tradition alive. It is not an easy feat to dress up in mask and costumes and masquerade around the village, sweltering inside the costumes. The guys pick a few half way houses where they can rest for 5 minutes take off their masks and have a cold beer.

Okaloies Half way house
The Okalolies Having a well earned rest at a half way house
Hunting ladies Where to next?
On the hunt for ladies to scare Where to next?
On the hunt Okaholies
On the hunt Okaholies
Acting Chief Islander's party

Islanders (left) and Okaholies (right) greeting the Acting Chief Islander at her party

Below: Okalolies at the Acting Chief Islander's party

Okaholies
Okalolies Okalolies
Flower giving Resting at Admin's party
Flower giving at the Admin's reception Resting at Admin's party
Admin's reception Group with Mrs Burns
Admin's reception A group photo with Mrs Burns
Greeting the Administrator's wife Acting Chief Islander's speech giving
Greeting the Administrator's wife Acting Chief Islander's speech giving

At 6pm the Admin's reception began and all the community congregated there for refreshments. Following this a reception was held at the Acting Chief Islanders house Paula Swain. Our Chief Islander is currently overseas representing the island. This party ended at about 9pm and then everyone went onto their private braais. The smell of smoke and barbecued meats could be smelt throughout the village. Before long midnight was nearing and everyone congregated at the Gong and Church bell to ring the Old Year out and New Year in. We had the privilege of some live music being played by French Leo on the saxophone and Steve Swain on the guitar while the gong was being rung. Many people carried on with parties into the early hours of the morning.

Ringing the Gong at midnight Meeting at the Gong
Ringing the Gong at midnight Meeting at the Gong

We wish everyone the very best for 2017 and would like to say a big big thankyou to the island men that became Okaholies for a few hours. This is a great effort and is so much appreciated by the community. Dressing up is becoming so popular now we will need to invest in some more ugly faces to ensure there is enough to go around and to help support the tradition.