Celebrating our national flower Every year in December, Polynesians celebrate, the Tiare Tahiti. This Polynesian flower has become a true national emblem of our islands. A prime example is the logo used by flag-carrier Air Tahiti Nui airline. This year marks the 51st celebration of the Tiare. The first event took place in 1962. Originally,…
Author: Tahiti Traveller
Hawaiki Nui Va’a 2013
The Polynesian outrigger canoe celebration After training 3 long hard months, we are finally here! The greatest Polynesian outrigger canoe race begins on Wednesday. A much waited, competition, it is considered as the ultimate « va’a » race (Polynesian outrigger canoe). Each year, at least 5,000 people meet for this occasion: staff, volunteers, competitors and spectators. As…
The Austral islands exhibition
Finer point and dexterity The Austral islands exhibition will take place at the Venue of the Presidential hall of Papeete from October 25 to November 9, 2013. Organized by the COEAA (Organizer Committee of Handicraft Exhibitions from the Austral Islands), this 12th edition of the show will welcome five federations gathering together 50 artisans from…
Discovering the Fautaua valley
A fresh walk The sunny weekend in Tahiti gave us the perfect opportunity to go hiking in the Fautaua valley. With our hiking shoes on and the backpack full of goodwill and provisions, we began our 3 hours walk in the mountains of Tahiti. Located in Papeete, the path of the Fautaua valley begins at…
Beach Soccer World Cup Tahiti 2013
A sport competition in a dream setting From September 18 to 28, Tahiti will host the 7th edition of the FIFA World Cup Beach Soccer. This sport looks like ordinary field soccer but practiced on a sandy pitch – ideally by the beach, thus the name. This sandy pitch differs from a grass soccer pitch…
The Polynesian Tiki
Between art and religion Originally from the Marquesas, the Tiki statues are present on most of the Polynesian islands. These sculptures in wood or stone represent Ti’i, ancestor half human half god who according to legend was the first man. This is often represented as a stocky man with arms stretched forward, his hands on…