Falaleu
Village in Wallis and Futuna, France
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Falaleu is a village in Wallis and Futuna. It is one of 7 villages located in the Hahake District on the east coast of Wallis Island. Its population according to the 2023 census was 550 people.[1][2]
Location
Falaleu is on the south border of the village Mata-Utu, and on the east coast of the island. Administratively, it falls within Hahake district, one of three districts on Wallis. There are a total of 7 villages within the Hahake district, and 21 villages on Wallis overall.[2]
Governance
Falaleu is home to Fale Fonu, the traditional residence of the Fotu'atamai, the customary minister of health, justice and land disputes in the Kingdom of Uvea.[3] The island of Wallis is ruled by a King, known as Lavelua, appointed within a Royal Family. The King is supported by a Prime Minister. The island is further divided into three districts, of which Falaleu is in Hahake. Each district is headed by a Chief and each of the 21 villages are led by village chiefs.[2]
Culture
Every year, during the Feast of the Assumption (August 15), which corresponds to the festival of the district of Hahake, the inhabitants of Falaleu bring many products to Mata-Utu that they have made and collected: crafts, fishing, agriculture. This ceremony is called to'okava. Women present their achievements, such as weaving and tapa cloths.[4][5]
Etymology
In the Tongan language fala means "pandanus" (a fruit) and leu means "ripe". Falaleu therefore refers to "ripe pandanus".[6][7]