A jubilant atmosphere is on the island of Enuamanu/Atiu as its residents and visitors gather to commemorate the momentous occasion of Te Arikianga o te Evangelia to mark their historic 200th anniversary of the Arrival of the Gospel.

The warm hospitality and beautiful traditional turou greetings has become a focal point of celebration for over 500 guests who have arrived from Rarotonga, the Pa Enua, Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia to witness and participate in the historic event.

The official opening of the celebrations began on Sunday with a church service held at the Ziona Tapu church by Rev Yakilia Vairoa.

Coordinator of the event, Taoro Brown in a social media post said last week was a pretty full on week as guests started arriving from overseas.

He said it had been emotional and exciting, everyone had put in such a great effort, all a joint effort by all the religious groups and the community.

A jar would be placed inside one of the commemorative plaques that will have all the names of all the people of Enuamanu, this jar would not be opened for another 100 years - this is history and will be a special moment, Brown added.

Yesterday morning the tangi kaara drums signalled the start of the day’s special events.

People piled on the back of trucks dancing and singing their way to the first plaque unveiling ceremony at Iotuaika - te e’euanga poaki akamaara i te takaianga Evangelia ki Enuamanu nei, at the landing point on Atiu where Rongomatane Ariki accepted the arrival of Christianity.

The rauti cape was unveiled by: landowners representative, Minister Rose Vainetutai Toki-Brown, Mama Keu and MP Te-Hani Brown.

Another unveiling followed at Te Miro, e’eu anga poaki i Te Miro,Te Akairo: Kaveinga ki Raro-i-te-Tonga.

Lunch was served at the Galilea and a cultural night was scheduled for last night with a string band at 6pm.

The hard working community have opened their hearts and homes.

 One of the members from the Sydney delegation who was too shy to be named said she was, “honoured and emotional” to be present at the bicentennial event.

“We have planned, saved and fundraised for this event, it is so special to be here, kia akameitaki ia te Atua.”

Te Arikianga o te Evangelia on Atiu will be observed tomorrow Wednesday 19 July, the date the Gospel arrived in 1823.