The 2025 Siva Afi Festival gets underway on March 7-8 at Māngere Arts Centre – Ngā Tohu o Uenuku. Photo credit: Siva Afi Aotearoa.
Promising a thrilling showcase of skill, tradition, and passion, the Siva Afi Festival is back for its sixth year, with the 2025 festival ready to ignite audiences once again.
Staged on March 7-8 at Māngere Arts Centre – Ngā Tohu o Uenuku, the home of Siva Afi, the free family event welcomes everyone to immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of Siva Afi Ailao (fire knife dancing), born out of a centuries-old traditional art form from Samoa.
This year’s festival will again include the all-female Wāhine Toa Afi competition, alongside the new Tama Toa Afi competition, highlighting the incredible talent and dedication of our male competitors.
There will also be a Juniors and Intermediate competition which is particularly important for growing Siva Afi.
The festival is a unique opportunity to witness breathtaking performances and support the rising stars of this vibrant tradition.
Festival director Amo Ieriko says Siva Afi is more than just a performance art.
“It’s a deep expression of identity, culture, and resilience,” Amo says.
“We are incredibly proud to be growing this tradition here in Aotearoa, supporting and mentoring young talent, and ensuring that our heritage remains strong for future generations.”
Beyond the festival, Siva Afi Aotearoa is committed to fostering and growing this art form in New Zealand.
Through workshops, mentorship programmes, and community performances, it is providing young people with opportunities to learn, compete, and share their passion for Siva Afi.
Performances starts at 7pm on both Friday and Saturday, with doors opening at 6pm.
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy food and beverages from local vendors and enjoy the festival atmosphere.
Visit Siva Afi Aotearoa for the full schedule and festival details.
