tahiti guide : Calendar of Events in 2009

• April 4, 2009 :
To'ata Square - Papeete: Tamura Tahiti Marathon
No, this is not a remake of Sidney Pollacks' famous film "They Shoot Horses, Don't They", but we are not very far from the idea. To better know the secrets of the famous Tahitian dance, the Tamure Tahiti Marathon is a fun day during which the public is invited to participate non-stop in dancing clsses to learn the "tamure" or rather the "Ori Tahiti", the traditional Tahitian dance, under the supervision of the best specialists. Be prepared for some good exercise!
www.tahiti-tourisme.pf

• April 10 to 12, 2009
Papara: Tahitian Hee Nalu Contest
April is the month when surfers change coasts. The good waves are now on the Southern side of the island and the Papara surfing spot welcomes the best Polynesian surfers for this competion, which leads to the National Championship.

• April 18, 2009 - Moorea :
Tahiti Nui International Triathlon
The third edition of this "hellish" triathlon according to the participants of previous editions, takes place along Opunohu Bay on the "sister island" and brings together the greatest local favorites of this discipline. A "light" version of the race lets the "amateurs" take part in this demanding race, which includes swimming (1,500 m), bicycing (40 km) and running (10 km).

• From April 18, 2009:
Papeete City Hall: Tifaifai Salon
Given the enthusiasm of a large public for the art of tifaifai (the Polynesian styles patchwork), this salon shoudl at least render justice to the "mamas" who compete in skills and good taste to make these beautiful bed covers.

• April 25 - 26, 2009:
Tahiti Vairao: Surfing - Billabong Pro Junior Series 1
For the young generations of surfers, national selection begins on the spot of Vairao in Tahiti's peninsula. Not far from Teahupoo, the waves of Vairao are perhaps less impressive, but from everyone's opinion, they offer an excellent ride for these juniors with unquestionable talent. Every year this is where the future stars of surfing are spotted, often when as young as age 14 or15 .

• From May 1st ti May 6, 2009:
Tahiti - Teahupoo : Trial Air Tahiti Nui - Von Zipper
Part 1 to qualify to participate in the famous Billabong Pro on the Teahupoo waves, on the Tahiti Peninsula. The two best surfers in this competition will benefit of a "wild card" to compete with the 45 world best during the Billabong Pro a few days later. Last year, somebody named Bruno Santos won the jackpot to compete with the champions, accompanied by Manoa Drollet, a great local representative, who once again distinguished himself. A little later, at the end of the Billabong Pro 2008, the 45 "great" of the spot all were sent backstage while the final competition opposed the two rookies who had just won the qualifiactions. Manoa Drollet (2nd) and Bruno Santos (1st), who shared between them the prizes of victory!
Website: www.surf.pf

• May 1st, 2009:
The "Me" celebration (Tahiti, Australs, etc...)
May first is Labor Day in Tahiti, but it is also the occasion of a get together in Protestant parishes for the "great collection", the "Me (May) Celebration" . Worshippers come in families to help their parish. Big "tamara'a" (Feasts) with songs and prayers will also take place during this oecumenical day. At the origin, it was an ancient custom that the missionaries kept alive to celebrate the arrival of the period of harvests.

• Early May 2009:
TAHITI: Miss Polynesia Election
After the clash which caused all the Miss Tahiti 2008 organizers to resign, Miss Tahiti keeps on goimg with the support of new partners. And the new Miss Polynesia committee was formed headed by Dadou Paillé, a former Miss very much appreciated throughout the islands. With the support of many local beauty queens. Miss Polynesia will try to renew with tradition and to impose its own Miss to the Miss hall of fame. The election should be held before the Miss Tahiti election, most likely during the first half of May. The candidates are being selected for a new formula which will crown the "other most beaautiful girls of the islands". As to know which one of our Misses will participate in the Miss France election, as of now, it looks like Miss Tahiti is leading. But on the Miss Polynesia side they announce the partition of the future winner in the Miss World and Miss Universe contests. Miss Tahiti will have to be satisfied with Miss Earth and Miss Asia-Pacific. To be continued for all amateurs of pretty girls who will have the pleasure to have two Misses for the price of one.

• May 6 to 10, 2009:
Leeward Islands: TAHITI PEARL REGATTA
Organized between Raiatea, Tahaa and Huahine, in the Leeward Islands by sailing fans and the Yacht Club of Raiatea, the Tahiti Pearl Regatta is a real event which blends sailing, human encounters and the discovery of exceptional sites. This annual event which brings together all sailing enthusiasts of Tahiti, of the islands, but also of the rest of the Pacific, is already in its sixth edition. Meals, parties and lodging are part of the fun each evening at the stop.
www.tahitipearlregatta.org.pf - Email : organisation@tahitipearlregatta.org.pf

• End of May 2009 :
Tubuai (Australs): Remembering the arrival of the Bounty at the end of May 1790
The annual ceremony which brings together the descendants of the mutineers of the Bounty. Indeed before settling in Pitcairn, their final refuge, the mutineers of the "Bounty' made a controversial stop in Tubuai, where they hoped to settle away from eventual revenge seekers. but their stay was short lived. After a few skirmishes with the islanders, the mutineers left with a few dead bodies left behind them. In spite of this, some sailors were authorized to settle on the island. Today, Tubuai still has some distant descendants of the actors of this historical episode.

• May 9 to 21, 2009:
Tahiti - Surfing in Teahupoo: BILLABONG PRO 2009
The Billabong Pro is the leading event in Tahiti's surfing season. The world's best surfing specialists will compete during several days to write their name on the hall of fame of one of the most prestigious surfing competition in the world. As to our Tahitian champions, they hope this year to destabilize the best surfers in the world on their favorite spot.
Website: www.surfteahupoo.com/billabong-pro-2008/ - Email : fedesurf@mail.pf

• May 17, 2009:
From Raiatea to Tahiti : Va'a Tea Eco Race
This is a promising new event in these days of energy saving. Indeed this race which bring the racers from the Leeward islands to Tahiti, has two categories of boats operating with the respect of the environment in mind. On one side there will be boats sailing under primary energy, on the other side those using "manufactured" fuel. Let the bests win and inspire a few revolutionary ideas to develop right away.
www.tahiti-tourisme.pf

• May 23 - 24, 2009:
Surfing- Tahiti - Papenoo: Extreme Surf Challenge 2
The Tahitian Surfing Federation wants to spike local surfing during 2009 by proposing a new kind of event. Thus three separate competitions open to everyone: including young, female and international, privileging fun and extreme sports in all of their forms. The "Design is Perfect" challenges, for men and "Cerise Surf", for women, then the "Pite Pite Moi" challenge, reserved for women also, will bring together a large number of surfing specialists to the spot of Papenoo. For these challenges, the innovative manoevers, individual feats and special technical figures will be noted. For the female challenge, a style kept secret until the last minute will be required from the participantes. The best interpretation will be rewarded. A chance to discover new talents, of not new figures and other manœuvers. Another such event is scheduled in July.

• May 23, 2009:
Moorea Raid Moorea 2009
In the program of the sixth edition of the Raid Moorea, are 25 km on mountain bike amid the pineapples, 12 km of running and finally 5 km in kayak in the lagoon, in teams or individually. Compared to last year, the distances in each discipline have been slightly increased. Like every year, the island's population will be there to support the athletes in this high level competition. Renown triathlon athletes are also expected.
Information and specific dates: www.moorea@sis.pf or www.mooreaevents.org

• Starting May 20, 2009:
Matarii i raro, the new lunar season
According to Ancient folks, life on earth was marked by two separate periods of about six months. The May new moon is the start of "Matarii i raro" the harvesting and sharing period. Cultural events and shows take place all over the islands to reenact this celebration from the old days. Tied to the appearance of the Pleiades in the Polynesian sky, for the past few year, this custom has seen a renewal of interest for the appreciaition of nature lovers.
For more information: www.tahiti-tourisme.pf or contact@heivanui.pf or maireterii@yahoo.fr

• May 28 to June 20, 2009:
Tahiti - Leeard Islands - Marquesas - "Terre d'Aventure" Hike
The Land Operator of "Aventure" programed two long hikes to discover Polynesia for those who like hiking, throughout the Society and the Marquesas Islands. For three weeks, the participants in the context of memorable hikes, will be able to discover the interior of our islands (Tahiti, Bora Bora, Maupiti, Moorea and the Marquesas) and the hidden treasures of another Polynesia, the Polynesia of the ancient Ma'ohi and of exhuberant nature.
Information and registration: www.terdav.com, item TAH 02

• June 1st to 7, 2009 (to be confrmed):
Atimaono, Papara, Tahiti: International Open Golf Competition
The International Open Golf Competition takes place each year as a preview of the Heiva i Tahiti's festivities on Tahiti's west coast, in the magnificent golf course of Atimaono. Several golf players familiar of the pro competition come once in a while to compete with the best local specialists. Despite modest prizes unlike those awarded in International competitions, enthusiam is there year after year.
www.tahiti-tourisme.pf

• June 7, 2009:
Moorea: Opunohu Moonlight
Here is an event that should attract a lot of people if it takes place as planned. It is a running race in the Opunohu Valley (amid the pineapples) which must take place at night on a distance of 10 km by teams of two runners.
Information and Registration: info@mooreaevents.org or by telephone: +689 56 25 79

Ua Pou (Marquesas) Raid "Kaoha des Pics"
In its present trend, this raid brings its participants to the Marquesas on the magnificent island of Ua Pou, to the discovery of its majestic peaks, namely the Pumaka peak. The race is run on 21 km on the crests of the island with a magical finish line in the village of Hakahetau. Ambiance and exotic scenery are garanteed!
To register and find out about the conditions: uapou@live.fr

• June 17, 2009:
Papeete : Cinematamua at the House of Culture
Like each month, take advantage of this occasion to better know Tahiti and her ilslands and attend the free monthly screening of documentaries about the Tahiti of yesteryear (starting at 6:30PM).

• June 19, 2009 :
TAHITI: Miss Tahiti Election
Deepite a controversy among the organizers that never ceased to increase, Miss Tahiti will take place again this year. The contest will take place on June 19, on To'ata Square and will, like each year, crown our islands' most beautiful girl. Despite last year's winner's, Hinatea Boosie, disappointment when she saw her dreams of becoming Miss France vanish during an evening that left mixed feelings, the candidates will once again be there to try and receive the supreme title, This despite the creation of a new local committee, the one for Miss Polynesia whose election should take place in May and who hopes to steal the show from the institution represented by the election of Miss Tahiti in the past 50 years in Polynesia.

• June 13, 2009:
To'ata Square - Papeete: Trafitional Dance School Evening
Like each year, the dance schools of Polynesia get together on To'ata's big stage to keep the tradition of Polynesian dancing alive. A jury will reward the work of the many schools of Ori Tahiti (traditional dancing) and take note of tomorrow's future great performers. A preview of the great dancing and singing show of the Heiva following a few weeks later.

• June 14 or 21, 2009:
Tahiti's West Coast: Heemoana Race, Va'a Race
The Heemoana Race brings together the best Polynesian canoe racing crews and often guest teams (Hawaii, New Zealand, France, etc.) on a high seas 56 km distance between the Hava'oe pass and the Taapuna pass, in Punaauia. This is the first great test for six-man canoes before the July races, Molokai in September, then Hawaiki Nui in October. Once again the almost arrogant supremacy of the Shell Va'a team will again be tested by the habitual outsider, Team OPT. But this year, much is expected from new teams, namely those coming from the remote islands.

• June 19 or 21, 2009:
Tahiti - Moorea: 4th edition of the Sailing Rendez-vous
This event has been dedicated for four years to the creation of an encounter between sailboat enthusiasts, the local population and tourists. The first day is dedicated to various festivities around the Papeete yachts dock. the second day brings the participants to Moorea, for a sailboat race, the third day takes place in Moorea, with a great number of traditional nautical activities (sailing canoes, va'a, fruit carriers race, spear throwiing competition, etc.

• June 24 to July 25, 2009:
Heiva i Tahiti
The annual Heiva i Tahiti festivities dedicated to all aspects of Polynesian culture and traditional sports, begins at the end of June for a whole month or quasi daily events. Among the most expected, the singing and dancing competition in To'ata, the Heiva canoe races, fire walking, not to mention the many craftmanships activities (sculpture, tifaifai, weaving, etc.) and the revived traditional sports demonstrations (sailing canoe, stone lifting, spear throwing, copra husking, etc.) etc...).
Dates and times: contact@heivanui.pf

• June 25 to Mid August 2009:
Papeete (Tipaerui) and Pirae (Aorai Tini Hau): Heiva i Tahiti carnival boothes
The Bambridge Stadium in Tipaerui and Aorai Tini Hau in Pirae are traditional homes for merry-go-rounds for the families greatest pleasure, but also for the pleasure of visiting tourists. The atmosphere is as local as should be, where kids and grown-ups spend many hours enjoying the traditional merry-go-rounds and the lotteries or skill games.

• June 29, 2009:
Tahiti and all of Polynesia: Internal Autonomy Celebration
Despite the changes of dates, and appreciation errors, June 29, is still considered as the local national holiday. On this occasion, various parades and fanfares are organized in Papeete and some islands to communicate the date on which Tahiti was officially attached to France

• Early July 2009:
Tahiti - Sigogne Beach: The Heiva of the Artisans
As a start of the Heiva festivities, the artisans of Polynesia get together on the Waterfront, on Sigogne Beach to open their booth for several weeks and sell the products of their art. The five archipelagos are represented with all their specialties. Various entertainment, singing and dancing, demonstrations of tapa making, demonstrations, weaving, etc. will take place every day.

• Mid July 2009:
Tahiti: The Friendship Tour
The Friendship Tour, this kind of "Tour de France" amid coconut trees and blue lagoons" will take place in July in the context of the Heiva 2009. French, New Caledonian and Australian champions are expected, like every year, for this great race in several stages on the islands of Tahiti and Moorea.
Informations: www.tahiti-tourisme.pf

• July 10 - 11 - 12, 2009:
Tahiti - Mahina: "Te Aito Va'a" Canoe Race
All canoe racers from Tahiti and the islands will compete on the lagoon in a merciless race. The 100 best will be selected by their time for the Super Aito Va'a Race to take place a few weeks later (early in August). The 10km distance will feature a colorful fight for the thousands of spectators gathered on the shores, but also in the surrounding lagoon.

• July 14, 2009:
Tahiti - Papeete: French National Holiday Celebration
The ceremonies commemorating the French National Holiday bring together the authorities of French Polynesia and the representatives of the French Government in Polynesia. A traditional military parade by the French Forces stationed in our islands bring back some souvenirs of their youth to the old folks. The ex Avenue Bruat (today Avenue Pouvanaa a Oopa) is filled all morning with the sound of military music of the RIMAP (infantry). For our tourists, this is a privileged moment to take photos of the peaceful integration of French uniforms within the Tahitian population.

• july 18 - 19, 2009:
Surfing - Tahiti - Papenoo: Extreme Surfing Challenge 3
The Tahitian Surfing Federation wants to spike local surfing in 2009 by proposing a new kind of event. Thus three separate competitions, open to everybody, young, women and internationals, will privilege the fun and the extreme in all of their forms. The "Design is Perfect" Challenge for men and "Cerise Surf" Challenge for women then the "Pite Pite Moi" challenge also reserved to women, will bring together a large number of surfing specialists on the Papenoo spot. For each challenge, innovative manoeuvers will be noted, individual feats and particular technical figures. For the female challenge, a style kept secret until the last minute, will be required from the participants. The best interprétation will be rewarded. A chance to discover new talents, if not new figures and other manoeuvers. Two other rendez-vous are scheduled in May and in July.

• August 7 - 8 - 9, 2009:
Tahiti: Super Aito Va'a
This canoe race on various itineraries depending on categories, is reserved to the champions of the July Te Aito Va'a. The Super Aito Va'a brings together the previous month's besr racers on specific distances of 5, 10, 15 and 20 km. On top of an outstanding athletic power, the canoe racers select their strategy in function of the distance, the swells and currents direction, to engage into impressive jolts.
ftvaa@mail.pf

• Starting in August 2009:
Tahiti, Moorea and mostly in the Australs: The Whales Arrive in Polynesia
Earlier and earlier each year, the whales invade our tropical waters for reproduction, then around November, they return to cooler waters further south. Thus from August to November, these unbelievable cetaceans ballets attract more and more people who come, mostly to Rurutu and Tubuai, the best spots for this free show. But for the past two or three years, the Tahitians can also admire the same kind of ballets off the coasts of Polynesia's main island, and also in Moorea, Bora Bora or Huahine. A great moment in a man's life!

• All along August 2009:
In the remote Archipelagos: The "Heiva of the Islands"
At the end of the Tahiti Heiva 2009, it is the islands' turn to organize their own festivities. The specificities of each archipelago are showcased according to each island's ancestral traditions. Singing, dancing, sculpture, tattoos, weaving and sometimes forgotten traditional sports, come back to life during those few weeks. Major hotels participate also to the festivities and offer to their guests a complete variety of traditional shows.

• End of August Early September 2009:
Punaauia - Outumaoro: Tahiti's Agricultural Fair
This event which used to be scheduled during the July festivities is now scheduled later in favor of a greaert success with the public. The Agricultural Fair now opens its doors in Outumaoro (Punaauia)at the end of August. Agricultors, horticultors and cattle farmers from Tahiti and her islands come there to meet the public and make it discover tropical agriculture. A trip among typical Polynesian crops (manioc, uru, taro, bananas, water melons, pineapples, etc.) with also the discovery of farm animals (sheeps, cows, pigs, horses not to mention chickens, ducks and rabbits).

• Starting in September 2009:
Moorea, Huahine, Tahaa, Bora Bora: Sting Rays Ballet in the Lagoons
It is the time of the year when the Polynesian lagoons grey rays start their fascinating ballets near the passes. In the past several years, it has become easy to get near then. Some let themselves be petted without any kind of danger for those who seek strong tropical experiences. A unique moment for all those who are able to overcome their fears.

• September 8 to 21. 2009:
Gold Olivier Bréaud, Papara: International Golf Open
Schedued later this year to fit in a very busy schedule, the Tahiti Golf Open will attract a few Australian, Fijian or American professionals who will compete in a unique tournament with local specialists of this course, which is today appreciated by everybody.

• Sepember 10 to 27, 2009:
Punaauia Pass: Taapuna Master 2009
The Taapuna Master on the Punaauia pass in Taapuna sees every year talents of young local surfers confirmed. But the "old timers" are again and still present and are deciding to hang in there. Depending on the weather and the waves, eliminations will take place, weather permitting, as well as days of the finals.

• Sepember 16, 2009:
Papeete: Cinematamua at the House of Culture
Like each month, take advantage of this occasion to better know Tahiti and her islands by attending the monthly free screening of documentary films about yesterday's Tahiti (starting at 6:30PM).

• September 19, 2009:
Moorea: Painapo Raid - 8th Edition
This is already the 8th edition of the Painapo Raid. At the heart of Moorea's lush vegetation, the difficulties of the race will be constatntly rewarded with the place's beauty, Whether by teams or individuals, this raid attracts year after year more participants. It is anyway the organizers' objective to promote eco-tourism. The locals spontaneously join the event along the distance, but also on the finish line with a great popular celebration where the winners and the respectable losers are celebrated.
Informations and dates: www.moorea@sis.pf or www.mooreaevents.org

• September 19 - 20, 2009:
Tahiti (to be confirmed): National Heritage Days
No date has for now been retained to commemorate Heritage Days, an event created to pay tribute to all the forms of culture, in France, but also in Polynesia. Dates to be confirmed.

• September 26 to October 4, 2009:
Punaauia Pass: Taapuna Pro-Am 2009
The Taapuna Master is just over and now are the pros back on that same spot of Punaauia to compete for the much sought after title in the region of Taapuna Pro-Am Champion, besides a few international surfing stars who will always attend. One of the year's best competition in Tahiti

• October 3 to 18, 2009:
Tahiti - Punaauia: Hui Maohi Sapinus Reef Contest
On the other great spot of Punaauia, Sapinus, this is one of the great local surfing competitions opposing our best representatives. Located at the point on the reef, South of the Museum of Tahiti and her Islands, Sapinus is a succession of three "bowls" connected together. Nevertheless, this place is for experts only, as there are many difficulties. It is primordial to be familiar with the place before competing with the best.

• October 14, 2009:
Papeete: Cinematamua at the House of Culture
Like each month, take advantage of this occasion to better know Tahiti and her islands by attending the monthly free screening of documentary films about yesterday's Tahiti (starting at 6:30PM).

• October 15 to November 7, 2009 :
Tahiti - Leeward Islands - Marquesas - "Terre d'Aventure" Hike
The Land Operator of "Aventure" programed two long hikes to discover Polynesia for those who like hiking, throughout the Society and the Marquesas Islands. For three weeks, the participants in the context of memorable hikes will be able to discover the interior of our islands (Tahiti, Bora Bora, Maupiti, Moorea and the Marquesas) and the hidden treasures of another Polynesia, the Polynesia of the ancient Ma'ohi and of exhuberant nature.
Information and registration: www.terdav.comItem TAH 02

• Between October 16 and 24, 2009:
Tahiti: The Tahiti Carnival Parade (to be confirmed)
Even if nothing has been officially decided, this year may bring back the Tahiti Carnival, an event much appreciated by the Polynesian Community and by the Visitors. Like in Rio or Venice, colorful floats, dancers and athletes and many other fun people are getting ready for a parade unlike any other, marked by music and various fun things. We have been waiting for many years for the return of the Carnival and in 2009 it may return in the streets of Papeete.

Tahiti : "Floralies" 2009
Every year, the Floralies are the occasion for the public to discover the mysteries of tropical flora and for lovers to discover hundreds of species during the largest flower exhibition of the year. In Papeete, but also in remote districts, boothes are all flowery to welcome an enthusiatic public, from Mahina to Vairao and from Faaa to Tautira.

• End of October (dates to be confirmed):
Leeward Islands: Hawaiki Nui Va'a 2009
The 2009 edition of the greatest va'a competition in Polynesia and in the world is scheduled this month. Over 120 6-man canoes will race between Huahine, Raiatea and Bora Bora with a legendary finish line on Matira Beach, a sport event followed by over 10,000 fans, covered live on TV in over 20 countries, this competition is the best advertising for our islands.
While last year, the Hawaiians tried again to beat the Polynesians, they failed again. It is rather Tahiti's islands, namely teams from Huahine (Manutea Owen and his crew, who made third last year) or from Bora Bora (6th in 2008, with Heimana Bastien and his crew) that Shell Va'a. the great favorite, should watch. But we should not forget Team OPT (who finished only 8th last year with Eric Deane, Charles Taie and Co) who didn't do too well last year, but has built up a sharp desire for revenge, or EDT (2nd in 2008 with Taaroa Dubois, the most promising young man in the past few years) who would be adversaries worthy of Shell. A few months away from the race, everything remains open, given that exchanges are still possible between the teams.
Informations: www.tahiti-tourisme.pf
Contact: ftvaa@ifrance.com and www.hawaikinuivaa.pf

• November 1st 2009:
Tahiti and the Archipelagos: "Turamara'a", celebratiing the Dead.
In Tahiti, the November 1st Allsaints Day ceremonies are dedicated to honoring the dead. An important day for a very religious population, and the "matahiapo" (old folks) who pray with their family in the island's cemetaries. Thousands of candles are lit at dusk around the freshly clean and flowery graves. Singing is then heard in the darkness of the tropical night. A major moment of emotion for passing visitors who are always welcome to attend these ceremonies.

• Novemer 3 to 10, 2009:
Tahiti: Photography Festival
Ubiquitous in our daily life, the magic of still pictures has its festival in many places of Papeete (City Hall, To'ata Square, Ministry of Culture, etc.) with several exhibitions showing the work of our best photographers. Do not miss the spontaneity of some of the shots.

• Mid November 2009:
Tahiti : Festival Tattoonesia 2009
Tatoonesia is an International Salon of Tattoo art, which has been taking place in Tahiti for a few years already. It is now an unavoidable meeting place for the fans of tattoos in all of their forms. Repeated once again, Tatoonesia 2009, before even confirming the dates, announces some one hundred workshops with initiation to the techniques of tattooing, entertainment and various contests. Japanese, Australians, Americans as well as Europeans come here to participate in one of the world greatest tattooing conventions.

• November 18, 2009:
Papeete: Cinématamua ay the House of Culture
Like each month, take advantage of this occasion to better know Tahiti and her islands by attending the monthly free screening of documentary films about yesterday's Tahiti (starting at 6:30PM).

• November 21. 2009:
Moorea: Trail Rotui - 2nd Edition
Just like its rival and nevertheless friend, the Painapo Raid, the "Trail Rotui" leads its participants to the discovery of the sister island' natural sites. After a few years of fine tuning, last year the organizers cut a 15km trail through nature around Mount Rotui. Individually or by teams, here is an excellent way to discover the enchanted mysteries of Moorea.
Information and registration: www.mooreaevents.org

• Starting November 20, 2009:
Tahiti : The Matarii i ni'a celebration marks the return of abundance
According to Ancient folks, life on earth was marked by two separate periods of about six months. The November new moon is the start of "Matarii i n'a" the return of the period of abundance. Rains make it possible for nature to produce abundantly. Cultural events and shows take place all over the islands to reenact this celebration from the old days.Ties to the appearance of the Pleiades in the Polynesian sky, for the past few year, this custom has seen a renewal of interest for the appreacition of nature lovers.
For more information: contact@heivanui.pf or maireterii@yahoo.fr

• December 4 to 6, 2009:
Tahiti and some islands: Days of the Tiare
The emblem of Polynesia, the Tiare flower, has for many years been benefitting of an event which is dedicated to it. On this occasion, many stores and shops decorate their windows with Tiare flowers. Various shows and entertainment are also scheduled in many strategic areas of the main islands. Get information a few weeks ahead to find out the details of these days full of fragrance.

• December 5 - 6, 2009:
Papenoo - Tahiti: Longboard Surf,ing: Te Ava Ava Nui
Many longboard competitions take place all year round in Tahiti and her islands. If you only had one of them to see while visiting Tahiti, the "Te Ava Ava Nui" is recommended. The longboard discipline, which is at the origin of surfing, is still much appreciated in Tahiti, as well as in Hawaii. This great classic competition lets you see the best longboarders surf on the Papenoo waves, which are well adapted to the specificities of this board over 3 meters in length.

• Mid December 2009:
Marquises, Ua Pou: Vaka Ani Canoe Race
Organized by the local singing star Rataro, this va'a race is trying to compete with the famous Hawaiki Nui. Despite difficulties linked to the distance, the canoe racers came to compete in the year's last race, that takes place in Hakahau Bay on the island of Ua Pou. Dates are not yet fixed, but this race should take place, like last year, before Christmas 2009.

• December 12 - 13, 2009:
Blowhole, Papenoo - Tahiti : Surfing, Bodyboard: Shop 2000
Another curiosity in the various surfing disciplines, bodyboarding is done on a very short and flexible board (about 1 m). The Blowhole spot where this year-end competition takes place, is particularly recommended to follow one of these competitions which will oppose very daring young adolescents.

• December 24 - 25 - 31 2009:
All of Polynesia: Christmas and New Year Celebrations
Despite the absence of snow, the Christmas and New Year celebrations are the occasion for enthusiastic festivities. Midnight masses in many churches and improvised ceremonies mark this week "unlike any other" in Polynesia also. And for the New Year, fireworks will not be lacking. Many events in all the hotels with dancing and singing shows.

• December 26 - 27 - 28, 2009:
Fatu Hiva, Marquesas: Mini Festival of Marquesan Arts
As the frequency of Marquesan Festivals is not very regular, the least known island in the Archipelago, Fatu Hiva organizes this year its own Art Festival. Marquesan artists will come from their respective islands to show their work to passing visitors during a mini-festival, which is much appreciated by all those who already had a chance to attend. An uncommon atmosphere, a unique hospitality, the extraordinary people of the Marqueas will all be there to showcase their skills.