The Tahiti Pearl Regatta is an ocean race open to any sailing ship without size limitation (monohull, catamaran, trimaran etc). This regatta takes place in the Leeward Islands. This is the most important regatta organized in the Pacific Islands region.  The race lasts 4 days from 07th to 12th May. This is a major event for every sailing passionate of French Polynesia.

The Tahiti Pearl Regatta will celebrate its 10th birthday this year.  The idea came in 2003 thanks to the efforts of Henri Dejust and a group of friends living in Raiatea. They have created the Raiatea Regatta association that aimed to bring together the sailors of the Pacific. Then, they wanted to organize an event to gather all those sailing lovers, and the Tahiti Pearl Regatta has emerged.

This race has different stopovers on Leeward Islands. Its path changes every year. This path is directly chosen by the public that can vote for its preferred itinerary on the official Tahiti Pearl Regatta facebook page. Thus, the Tahiti Pearl Regatta will pass this year through the islands of Raiatea, Huahine and Tahaa.

The competition is a perfect opportunity to the sailors to discover each island and its population. A program of festivities will be prepared in parallel to brighten up the event. Indeed, the numerous crews contesting the regatta could attend to: traditional sports competition, local dishes tasting, Polynesian singing and dancing show… It allows sharing the Polynesian way of life. Moreover, they could also enjoy: the special participation of the Faafaite outrigger to the event, a fashion parade to show artisanal creations, two conferences about the traditional polynesian way of navigation, and a concert that will conclude the festivities.

As in previous years, the regatta will propose beautiful human encounters thanks to increasing participation numbers. Open to almost any type of sailing boat, the spectators could enjoy a colorful parade : Hobbie cats, pogos, large yachts, a 82 foot tin sailing ship … they’ll be all present!! All of those competitors will be divided between the monohulls and multihulls categories.

Each year the race attracts about 40 to 50 boats that represent nearly nine nationalities. Initially a simple race between friends, we can see that the Tahiti Pearl Regatta has become over time a true international competition. In conclusion, the key words for this sailing celebration will be “competition” and “festivities”.

All we need now is to wish a very pleasant regatta to all sailors.

For more information do not hesitate to visit the official Tahiti Pearl Regatta website.

The dance of fire is practiced by many civilizations around the world. This is a rite deeply embedded in the Polynesian culture. In the past, the fire dance was executed by adepts as messages addressed to divinities – a request or thanks. According to other ancient ma’ohi beliefs, the fire dance also gave nature to be fertile and abundant during harvest seasons. Finally, this dance was used again as a warrior ritual of provocation and intimidation during wars between tribes of the Pacific region.

This tradition remains alive and well until today. Indeed, we cannot imagine a traditional Polynesian dance show without a fire dance part. This is a fully-fledged performance.

Polynesian fire dancers perform their show as a group or alone. They perform rhythmic movements and rotations with breathtaking agility and speed. Nobody can remain insensitive to the magic of the flames dancing in the night.

Wearing traditional attire, the dancers execute their show with fire knives. These fire knives are originally Samoan machete with two extremities wrapped with sort of towels. The towels are soaked with alcohol and then lighted for the dance. There is a small hook at the end of the blade that allows to tie two knives together: this “double knife” gives more amplitude to the artist’s figures.

It seems so easy when you look at them, but do not be fooled. The fire dance needs the resistance of the dancer’s wrists and arms and its entire concentration. Burns happen sometimes to remind the dancer that the risk is real.

Each year, a fire dance competition called “Te Ahi Nui” is organized at Le Meridien Tahiti resort. Numerous competitors come from around the Pacific Ocean to become the best fire dancer of French Polynesia. The competition is still a successful event with a growing public. The dancers are more and more creative and skillful to impress the jury. The winners of this prestigious competition will have the chance to participate to the fire dance world championships that takes place later in Hawaii.

You can attend to these « burning » shows in the main resorts during your stay in our islands. Indeed, more and more hotels propose fire dance shows for the enjoyment of visitors.

The International Day of Monuments and Sites is celebrated thoughout the world on April 18 of every year. The theme for this year will be the heritage of Education. This international celebration day emerged in 1983. This celebration allows each population to assess the importance of their cultural heritage. This event has been created by the world association ICOMOS. It encourages every individual and community to measure the influence of its cultural heritage in its life and its identity. Each year, there is a general awareness of the fragility of this culture. So, this international day is also a good opportunity to define efforts to preserve and protect this cultural wealth.

In French Polynesia, the population does not forget to celebrate the occasion. During this special day, Polynesians honor the numerous monuments and sites dispersed on their territory (marae, caves, museum…). During this day, the local population can attend exhibitions, conferences and other documentary films. It also has the opportunity to participate in seminars, workshops, excursions and photography contests. Furthermore, this day is a unique luck for the public to visit the collections of ethnic and archaeological objects in the local museums whose entry is free for the occasion. The public rediscovers with pleasure historical sites, legendary monuments, epic history and an incredible cultural richness.

Venues for these various events take place in history-filled Polynesian surroundings like the Arahurahu marae, the archive department of Papeete, the « Maison de la Culture (Cultural center) or the Museum of Tahiti and its Islands.

French Polynesia represents a territory as wide as the European continent. There are many sites and monuments to celebrate in remembrance. There are no less than 192 sites and monuments listed. These protected areas are split in different categories : Nature reserve, territorial park, natural monument, wildlife management area and protected landscape. We can mention as examples the Te Faaiti park, the Maraa cave, the Vaipahi waterfall, the plateau of Tamanu mountain or the Taharaa Belvedere which are the best known sites in Tahiti.

The Cultural heritage is so vast, rich and fragile in our islands that this international event takes on its full meaning in French Polynesia.

I had the opportunity to try the Moorea Paddle Board Adventure Tour during this Easter weekend. Arriving at 07:35am on the Moorea ferry dock we were met by Franck, the person in charge of the excursion. He drove us to take off point, the InterContinental Moorea Resort & Spa.

We got to the hotel at 8:00 am, to join the rest of the group: four French tourists and Mickael another guide. Once dressed for the nautical activity, we got on our stand up paddle board, adjusting the size of our paddle and attaching our ankle leashes. Finally ready, we left the beach surrounded by our guides, Mickael leading our little pack and Franck bringing up the rear.

First step was to go along the beach to skirt a large head of corals. Crossing the path of a school of spotted eagle rays, we paddled while gently being pushed by the wind. We quickly arrived at our first stop, a beautiful sandbank. There, we easily identified a dozen pink Whiprays and blacktip sharks swimming in the area. Mickael held our paddle boards to let us swim freely with these inoffensive animals. The rays and sharks seemed accustomed to human presence on this site. This first stopover was full of encounters.

Then we moved towards a motu about 1km away and traced our path between corals scattered on the sandy bottom. Arriving around the islet, we stopped at a small natural wading pool that we found an idyllic place to enjoy some delicious fresh fruit juice and a fruit (rambutan, guava or apple) courtesy of our guides. We found this second stop a welcome break and quite refreshing.

After this 10 minute break, we left our beautiful natural pool to explore the areas around the motu. We took a tour around the island, passing a few meters away from Moorea’s barrier reef. It was cool and we kept at a leisurely pace. Arriving at the end of the motu, we discovered a second motu hidden behind the first. Then we cut through between the two islets to arrive at a protected beautiful coral garden. Standing on our board we noticed many colorful fish. At this moment, our guides signaled us to take 15 minutes to explore this secluded cove. The sun still beat down strong but it was fabulous.

10:40am, the tour was soon to end. We climbed back up our boards going towards the coast of Moorea. During 20 minutes, paddling along the coastline. The excursion finally came to a close in front of the Fare Miti pension. Slightly exhausted and thoroughly tanned, we enjoyed the last moments swimming while the guides put away the equipment. Back to the hotel, I though it about time to get my feet back on firm ground. I found the tour quite fun and refreshing – definitely an activity accessible to all.

The first Polynesian Festival for Underwater photo and film will be held in March 2013. This event which highlights the beauty of Polynesian waters is the first of its kind in French Polynesia. It will take place in the “Maison de la Culture” (Cultural center) in Papeete from March 21-23.

Showcasing the sea’s beauty and richness seems natural because it occupies a prominent place in Polynesian society. This festival has the potential of becoming a premier event for all lovers of this underwater world.

The ocean is a source of inspiration for many local and international artists. They never tire of capturing the sea and its denizens. With each photographer or filmmaker’s sensibility and “eye” the sea is portrayed in numerous ways. The Polynesian festival has the following objectives:

- To highlight the Polynesian marine heritage through audiovisual and photographic exhibitions.

- To discover the future artists and talent in the field

- To raise awareness with the need for environmental protection.

- To propose another way to participate in the tourism development of French Polynesia.

The festival was created a few months ago following the growing number of sea lovers, the fame of the Polynesian waters and the growing popularity of image and audiovisual creations. It will be a great opportunity for sea lovers to meet the artists behind the images.

The festival will feature films and underwater photography competitions as well as fine arts exhibits. Held in conjunction with the World Underwater Film and Photo festival, it will also be the opportunity to discover the underwater movies which have been awarded around the world.

Boths photo and film contests were launched in parallel on the internet a few months ago. Each artist (amateur or experienced) was called to present his works on the official festival facebook page. The prizes for the winners were more than motivational: dive trips, airline tickets, dive equipment packages, and photographic equipment (GoPro)…

The jury, chaired by Mr Christian Pétron, – Vice-President of the World Festival – will have the difficult task of choosing the winners among hundreds of competitors. The contest is open to amateurs and experienced artists.

Many companies have been convinced by this initiative and they became partners with the festival such as Air Tahiti Nui airline or the TOPDIVE dive centers. We can already measure the enthusiasm around the event. And for all those who have the chance to attend the festival, it will be breath-taking!

Visit the official website for more information

Today, I have decided to try the Polynesian va’a or Outrigger canoeing. As the national sport, it is practiced in French Polynesia and around the world. One has the possibility of paddling alone aboard a “va’a hoe” or on multiple person canoe.  It is a grueling sport that requires strength, endurance and technique.

Arriving at the beach at 08:00am, I feel set for the adventure.

I sit in the canoe on a small wooden board padded with foam is used as a seat. On the left side, the outrigger also called “Ama” in maori language gives the balance to the craft.  This is the outrigger. I start paddling for the first time to the left side. The basic gesture is quite easy : Introduce the oar upright in the water and pull it back. Practice makes perfect! The Va’a solicits mainly your arms and your back.

The canoe -which is very light- begins to move. I already have a pleasant gliding feeling. In the excitement, I accelerate. I paddle on the other side to correct my course. I suddenly feel the outrigger rising into the air and my body swinging gradually. Overtaken by the momentum, I realize that the canoe has just turned over. A good dunking for me…I am drenched from head to toe.  But I think my pride has taken a worse beating compared to the dunking. Fortunately, I’m still by the beach and I can easily empty the water from the boat. First lesson to remember: the outrigger canoe has a delicate balance !

I have a go again.  On the lagoon, I choose my own trajectory going along the coral reef. Thanks to the translucent water I can observe the corals rolling under my canoe. I stay focused on my gesture, at the same time enjoying the colorful exhibition beneath me.

We can feel a real freedom on the canoe. The lagoon is calm and quiet. I can hear my paddle touching the water. It is a special soothing moment. Suddenly, I saw a shadow moving under the boat. It is a small black tip shark came to support my advancement.

After one hour of paddling I begin to struggle: It’s time to go back. On the way back I think “How can the champions paddle for hours during competitions like the Hawaiki Nui Va’a ?” Once you think about it, the sheer courage and stamina is really quite impressive!

This refreshing and rewarding experience comes to an end as I head back to land.   I feel exhausted but calm. I now understand why this sport is so popular: it offers a commune with the sea and a brief reprieve from the mundane routine of everyday life.

The pahu is a percussion instrument that can be likened to the African djembe. This ancestral drum is essential in a traditional Polynesian orchestra. It produces a basic tempo that guides the other musicians. This impressive instrument can measure about 60cm high and 30cm in diameter. The pahu’s size can vary a lot from one model to another. Thus, different models of pahu may offer a large range of tones : high or low notes. The most impressive pahu ever discovered in the world measures 2.45m with 45cm of periphery. It is currently on display at the Museum of Grenoble in France.

The pahu is handcrafted directly from the trunk of a tree, mainly the coconut tree or the Tamanu. Then, a membrane covers the top of the instrument ; artisans generally use the shark or the goat skin. This animal skin is stretched thanks to fine cords attached to the drum base. Cords have replaced the braids of coconut fibre used in the past. The pahu is an aesthetically pleasing object frequently decorated with beautiful sculpted carvings giving it mystical aspects.

Installed vertically on a pedestal, the pahu’s high size makes the musician play it standing up ; a constraining position after several hours of representation. The musician plays using the palm of the hand beating more or less at the middle of the skin to produces various noises. The pahu generates a striking and powerful sound that runs through your body and soul. It gives a frenzy tempo that seems to be in rhythm with the beat of your hear. With such strength and resonance, we easily understand why this instrument was also used to encourage Polynesian warriors during great battles.

The pahu played a particularly prominent social role in the Marquesan culture. It was a sacred object owned by the strongest tribes. It gave rhythm to each event of the Marquesan’s life with a specific pahu associated to each happening (wedding ceremony, religious cult, sacrifice…).

Nowadays, the pahu is still widely used in many Polynesian cultural events. It accompanies sacred ceremonies around the marae, it sets the rythmn of festivities, it gives the tempo to dancers during shows such as the Heiva (The most famous traditional dance contest). The pahu sounds to announce the start of an event and to gather guests. Even if the sound of pahu means today an invitation to the celebration, remember that the same melody resonated on the battlefield in the past.

The pahu is a percussion instrument that can be likened to the African djembe. This ancestral drum is essential in a traditional Polynesian orchestra. It produces a basic tempo that guides the other musicians. This impressive instrument can measure about 60cm high and 30cm in diameter. The pahu’s size can vary a lot from one model to another. Thus, different models of pahu may offer a large range of tones : high or low notes. The most impressive pahu ever discovered in the world measures 2.45m with 45cm of periphery. It is currently on display at the Museum of Grenoble in France.

The pahu is handcrafted directly from the trunk of a tree, mainly the coconut tree or the Tamanu. Then, a membrane covers the top of the instrument ; artisans generally use the shark or the goat skin. This animal skin is stretched thanks to fine cords attached to the drum base. Cords have replaced the braids of coconut fibre used in the past. The pahu is an aesthetically pleasing object frequently decorated with beautiful sculpted carvings giving it mystical aspects.

Installed vertically on a pedestal, the pahu’s high size makes the musician play it standing up ; a constraining position after several hours of representation. The musician plays using the palm of the hand beating more or less at the middle of the skin to produces various noises. The pahu generates a striking and powerful sound that runs through your body and soul. It gives a frenzy tempo that seems to be in rhythm with the beat of your hear. With such strength and resonance, we easily understand why this instrument was also used to encourage Polynesian warriors during great battles.

The pahu played a particularly prominent social role in the Marquesan culture. It was a sacred object owned by the strongest tribes. It gave rhythm to each event of the Marquesan’s life with a specific pahu associated to each happening (wedding ceremony, religious cult, sacrifice…).

Nowadays, the pahu is still widely used in many Polynesian cultural events. It accompanies sacred ceremonies around the marae, it sets the rythmn of festivities, it gives the tempo to dancers during shows such as the Heiva (The most famous traditional dance contest). The pahu sounds to announce the start of an event and to gather guests. Even if the sound of pahu means today an invitation to the celebration, remember that the same melody resonated on the battlefield in the past.

Tetiaroa is a little atoll in the Society Islands located 32mi north of Tahiti. Composed with 13 motus (little islet), the atoll does not have a large enough passage to the open sea making it accessible only by plane or small boat. It has a splendid 7 kilometre-wide blue lagoon with 30m depth. The atoll offers many beautiful white sand beaches.

Also called the Birds’ Island, Tetiaroa is an Eden for thousands of birds that live on the atoll all year around. The wildest motus shelter a large population of frigate birds, Blue-footed Booby and terns. Among these islets, the Tahuna Rahi motu seems to be one of the most appreciated by these species.

This private atoll was for a long-time, the “summer residence” of the Pomare family (the royal Tahitian family). It was an ideal place for rest and relaxation. Then, the royal family donated it to Johnston Williams in 1904 (an exceptional dentist in Tahiti at that time) who set up a copra farm. The atoll became particularly famous in 1966 when Marlon Brando bought it from the Polynesian government. He obtained the atoll for the sum of $ 270,000. The actor literally fell in love with the island six years earlier after the shooting of the “Mutiny on the Bounty”; a film in which he played Christian Fletcher. Marlon enjoyed a few years of his beautiful haven; a place he always wanted to be preserved and dominated by nature. He built a small airstrip and a rudimentary hotel managed at that time by his Tahitian wife Tarita. The dream pursued by the actor was to build a place dedicated to wildlife preservation, an eco-friendly complex with little impact on the atoll’s biodiversity as well as a site of protection and education. Unfortunately, the Hollywood star died before his project came to fruition.

Nowadays, Tetiaroa is still a private atoll managed by the Brando estate representing the interests of Marlon Brando’s heirs. Urged by Richard Bailey (president of Pacific Beachcomber group), the atoll is about to welcome on one of its motu a community built around a luxury eco-resort. This resort will notably include a scientific research centre in a complex self-sufficient in renewable energy. With a permanent concern for the respect of the environment, the hotel will adopt an approach of sustainable development over the long term. This green resort will be called “The Brando” in his memory. The construction of this prestigious hotel should be completed in 2013. The hotel will target the LEED Platinum certification (Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design) rewarding the high environmental quality of the project.

Tetiaroa – the idyllic atoll well-known through the world thanks to Marlon Brando – is on the verge of welcoming an ambitious pioneer project unparalleled in the world. It could be a model for the future developments in such a fragile environment ?

The story of the Tifaifai begins in the 18th century with the introduction of patchwork by the first wives of Protestant missionaries. The Tifaifai (that means « mend » in maori language) is a large cloth that is become a real symbol of polynesian crafts.

The Tifaifai is generally made with two sheets of different colours – sometimes more according to the number of colours desired. The first sheet is the base on which we will graft fabrics cut in the other sheet giving them shapes and patterns. These motifs usually represent the nature and the polynesian life. The Tifaifai is realized in 4 steps : the drawing, the cutting of shapes, the assembling and the couture of fabrics – it is certainly the more delicate and longest stage of creation. The Tifaifai, handcrafted by the Polynesian mamas (old women artisan) is the result of long hours of detailed hard work. These mamas work sometimes together on the same tifaifai to finish it quickly. These creative meetings are called pupu in Maori language; they allow artisans to share their secrets and experiences. The price of Tifaifai may vary by twice according to the complexity and the size of the work. Indeed, some tifaifai may take 6 months to be completed – a backbreaking work combining patience and dexterity.

There are various types of Tifaifai according to the archipelagos. For instance, the tifaifai pû (in mosaic pattern) that is characteristic from the Austral islands is made with small pieces of fabric that form geometric designs: cross, diamond or stars… On the other hand, the tifaifai pa’oti, typically Tahitian is made of patterns of flowers and fruits directly inspired by Mother Nature.

The Tifaifai is a first choice of present that is traditionally offered for special occasions as wedding ceremony or a birth. This is a resistant gift that will symbolize the event to which it is linked. More than a wedding gift, the Tifaifai plays an important role during the traditional wedding ceremony. It is used to cover the newlyweds reminding them their new and main preoccupation: ensure their descendants.

Nowadays, the Tifaifai decorates the polynesian houses in various ways: as a pillowcase, a tablecloth, a bedspread or as a tapestry.

The art of Tifaifai has evolved for 200 years thanks to various cultural events and competitions allowing each artisan to excel in his art. The Tifaifai has become more and more colorful with increased complexity. These events organized around the tifaifai as the « Salon du Tifaifai » are good opportunities for artisans to hand their fabrication secrets down to young craftsmen. Indeed, the tifaifai is a cultural heritage transmitted from mother to daughter before to be a commercial activity.

Ahutoru was the first Tahitian to join the European continent. His journey began in 1768 as voluntary apprentice sailor on the vessel of the famous captain Bougainville.

Bougainville arrived in Tahiti on April 2 and called the island « the new Cythera ». After a few days, he decided to leave the island and continued his around-the-world trip. At departure time, Bougainville was harassed by Ereti -the village chief- who begged him to take Ahutoru with him. Ahutoru was a big thirteen-years-old guy coming from Raiatea and voluntary to discover the world alongside the great French traveller. Bougainville accepted after some hesitations and upon the Ahutoru’s insistence. The Ahutoru’s adventure began on April 15th 1768.

Let us pass on the details of travel. The Bougainville’s ship « La Boudeuse » arrived in St Malo on April 16th 1769. Charles de La Condamine was one of the first to be interested by the young Ahutoru. This scientist undertook to educate him with tests that weren’t really to Ahutoru’s likings. Then, another scientist studied his language and his «savage» behaviours.

On 30 April 1769, Ahutoru dressed from head to toe by Bougainville was introduced to the king Louis XV. As you can imagine, the Tahitian was completely impressed by the luxurious castle of Versailles. This encounter with the french king changed his life. From this moment, Ahutoru became the curiosity of the city being the “noble savage” lost in Paris. He was invited to all official receptions and society dinners. Moreover, Diderot and others Enlightenment philosophers used his image to personify the hero of their campaign against the colonization.

During one year Ahutoru enjoyed advantages of the modern world sometimes abusing of alcohol and being involved by the wrong crowd of the city. Anyway, he took all opportunities to learn more about this foreign world. After one year of “discovery”, Bougainville decided that it was time for Ahutoru to come back to his native island and family. The captain began his search of a new shipment to the Pacific Ocean. Ahurotu started his return trip on March 4th, 1770 onboard the « Brisson » : a boat going toward the island of Mauritius. Once on site, he had to wait for another marine excursion to Tahiti. It took (him) a year to find out this expedition. The irony of Ahutoru’s story is that he died during this journey. Indeed, he died on 1771, November 07th of the smallpox onboard. His body was then immersed in the ocean according to Christian practices.

History records that Ahutoru was the first Tahitian to set foot in Europe. He contributed in his way in the emancipation of french Polynesia by being its representative. We can also underline his great adaptability during this stay in France. In 1773, another Tahitian (Omaï) will attempt a similar travel alongside James Cook with more success. Indeed, Omaï will manage to return in French Polynesia after becoming famous in England for two years.