Tahiti in celebration During the month of July, the greatest traditional Polynesian singing and dancing competition in the world is held in Tahiti. The Heiva festival plays host to 28 dance schools, 17 dance groups and 22 singing groups that gather for this yearly meeting. It represents approximately 3500 artists that rehearse for months to…
Author: Tahiti Traveller
The 6th festival of the Marae of Taputapuatea
Raiatea, the starting point of Polynesian migrations The festival of the marae of Taputapuatea takes place during the month of June in Raiatea. It is the celebration recounting the story of the Polynesian migrations through ceremonies and ancestral customs. Also called ‘the octopus’ , it is symbolized by nine tentacles that glide on the ocean”,…
The Ukulele
The authentic Polynesian musical instrument Originally borrowed from Hawaii, the ukulele is a musical instrument known the world over. This instrument that resembles a small guitar is an adaptation of the Portuguese cavaquinho. It was first introduced into Honolulu in 1879, through the sailing vessel « Ravenscrag », a Portuguese vessel that came to Hawaii…
Matarii i raro
The season of frugality In the past, a calendar year in French Polynesia was divided in two seasons marked by two dates : – November the 20th was the beginning of abundance season, Matarii i ni’a – May the 20th was the beginning of season of frugality, Matarii i raro. These two seasons have always…
The Fafaru
A breathtaking and cultural dish Fafaru is a popular polynesian dish well-integrated in the local cuisine. It is an unusual dish compared part of polynesian culinary often compared to the “escargot” snail dish in France, the haggis in Scotland and the durian in Thailand. One cannot imagine a trip in Polynesia without an introduction to…
Our ancestors from Taiwan
Photographic testimony, by Danee Hazama A photo exhibit to be held from December 14th to May 5th in the Museum of Tahiti showcases the ancestors of Polynesians today originating from Taiwan. Through the passionate ethnographic research, Danee Hazama – a professional photographer of Taiwanese origins – the exhibit reveals scenes of Taiwanese life in photos….