Visitor Information Centre 1 Gaze Road PO Box 63 Christmas Island Indian Ocean, WA 6798 T: 08 9164 8382 F: 08 9164 8080 E [email protected] Mon-‐Fri: 8am-‐4pm (except Wed: 8am-‐6pm) Sat-‐Sun: 10am-‐12pm
* Denotes a gazetted Public Holiday on Christmas Island. All events are subject to change without notice and for more details contact the Visitor Information Centre.
Cultural and Event Calendar July – December 2013
Event Description When Event Description When
July 2013 October 2013
Territory Day*
Christmas Island became an Australian Territory on 1 October 1958. Celebrations are held during the week and finish with Cove Day and various activities including the famous Raft Race.
7 October Fishing – the trolling season commences
Experience the thrill of catching and eating wahoo, tuna and sailfish. Best time to try your luck is September and November.
July -‐ November
Hari Raya Aidiladha * Marks the beginning of the Hajj pilgrimage. 15 October
Kuan Di Temple Taoist Temple celebration at Grants Well. 31 July Red Crab Spawning Possible date for the spawning of Christmas Island’s famous and endemic red crabs
31 October
August 2013 November 2013
Hari Raya Aidilfitri * Marks the end of Ramadan (public holiday confirmation subject to lunar calendar).
7 or 8 August Whalesharks
During the wet season, the majestic whalesharks visit our waters. A dive or snorkel with her biggest fish in the world is an unforgettable experience. Sightings cannot be guaranteed.
November to May
Hungry Ghost Festival Month
Hungry Ghost Temple celebrations at Sheng Wong (7 Aug), Old Dryers (11 Aug), CLA (18 Aug) and Poon Saan Club (25 August).
7 -‐ 25 August Deepavali The Hindu Festival of Lights. 3 November
Bird’n’Nature Week
Covered in lush rainforest, Christmas Island is home to 23 species of sea and land birds. Join scientists on daily field trips, nightly seminars, and guided tours. Bookings essential.
31 August – 7 September
Remembrance Day Join the 11:00am service at Tai Jin House for the anniversary of the armistice that ended the First World War.
11 November
Birth of Baha’u’llah This holy day celebrates the birth of Baha’u’llah, the founder of the Bahá'í Faith.
12 November Christmas Island Charity Ball
Christmas Island’s formal event of the year. Arrange a group of friends and dance the night away. Proceeds support local charities.
31 August Soon Tian Kong Temple
Celebrate Kang Tian Tai Di’s God Birthday at South Point and welcome the return of the firewalkers and mediums.
27 November
September 2013 Red Crab Spawning Possible date for the spawning of Christmas Island’s famous and endemic red crabs
28 November
Christmas Island Marathon
This scenic Athletics Australia certified and challenging course showcases the unique and beautiful environment Christmas Island. Individual and team events catering for all levels are held.
15 September December 2013
Christmas Day * The Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus. 25 December Mooncake Lantern Festival
Join the festivities -‐ also known as the Chinese Mid-‐Autumn Festival.
19 September Boxing Day * The second day of the Christmas break. 26 December
Tai Pak Kong ‘ Gods Birthday Celebration
Taoist Temple celebration at the Settlement ‘Tai Pak Gong’ Temple.
28 September
Red Crab Spawning Possible date for the spawning of Christmas Island’s famous and endemic red crabs
28 December