Mahana pae

This event was created in 2010 in collaboration with the city of Papeete, the “GIE Tahiti Tourisme” and the “Service de la Culture”. It is a monthly event designed to introduce visitors to local culture and a reaffirmation to the population of French Polynesia. During this monthly theme, the city of Papeete proposes various cultural activities: local music and handcraft exhibition during the day, dance presentations and the showing of documentary films in the evening…It is a celebration giving one an opportunity of rediscovering the Polynesian culture.

Mahana pae is celebrated during every last Friday of each month. Every “Mahana Pae” has a different theme. Since its creation, the Mahana pae has taken on various themes like those of love and family, the art of tattooing, traditional Polynesian sports and the Tahitian pearl…

For 2012, the 1st “Mahana Pae” of January, takes the theme of the island tour of Tahiti: « Tere Faati ‘ia ora na i te matahiti api ». It consists of doing a tour around the island on board a Truck, the traditional public transport, to the rhythm of Ukulele. This festive island tour stops over at various cultural sites as the waterfall of Ti’arei, the surf spot of Teahupoo and the marae Arahurahu. In addition, city of Papeete city also offers numerous animations for the local population..

The next theme for February will be « Te Penu e te ‘Umete », that means the traditional Polynesian mortar and pestle … These tools are made with wood or stone, to honor Polynesian sculpture during these festivities.