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A taste for festivities

Singing, music and dances are part of Polynesian life and accompany popular festivities and ceremonies. When the missionaries arrived, traditional dancing was banned as being indecent. Popular festivities come back however when the French arrived, namely with the implementation of "Bastille Day" on July 14, later called Tiurai (July), enhancing official ceremonies with canoe races, Polynesian dancing and singing.

At the end of the 70's, tradition meets innovation and creativity. The Tiaurai changes its name to become: Heiva i Tahiti. Preparations for the Heiva in the towns and villages resound with singing and musical instruments (See our page: Music, Singing, Dancing). The traditional July festivities are completed with mini heiva in other islands. In the hotels, tourists can also enjoy  quality shows where dance groups perform these various dances. 

The Heiva : Exhibitions of traditional folklore, mostly singing and dancing, are at their top during Heiva, the big July celebrations lasting over a month. Thousands of participants compete in sport and cultural events. Singing (himene) and dancing (otea) groups perform every night on To’ata Square, in Papeete, trying to outdo each other in colorful contests. To the beat of the to’ere and pahu drums, each group performs a show that tells about ancient legends. The singing (himene) groups follow each other on stage to offer to the spectators polyphonic songs that are unique in the world.

And also...

Rythm and music in the blood...

Do not miss the other events, like copra preparation contests, stone lifting contests, fruit carriers races, historical reenactment on marae, fire walking, spear throwing, and of course the annual va'a (canoes) races. The handicrafts village also welcomes visitors and features demonstrations of weaving and braiding demonstrations, tipaifai (patchwork), food preparation, the secrets of traditional medicine, the making of ancient costumes, etc.

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