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 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…

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…

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…

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….

Faa he’e ra are I look for a beautiful wave lying face downwards on my board. I wait for the biggest in the hopes to get the most out of it and give me several seconds more of surfing. I swim toward this growing wave and I can feel its power drawing me towards it….