Heiva Festival
Heiva i Tahiti, or ‘party time’ in Tahitian. The festival is marked by flamboyant dresses, swaying hips, and acrobatic dances. Maidens adorned in bird feathers, garlands, flowers and men flaunting ancient Polynesian skills and feats of strength are themselves the highlight of the festivities.
Starting at the end of June and stretching into most of July, the Heiva festival marks a month-long of fun and festivities. It is also the time to witness the very best in traditional Tahitian culture. Groups from the five widely dispersed archipelagos of French Polynesia – the Marquesas, the Tuamotus, the Australs, the Gambier Islands, and the other Society Islands – congregate to celebrate and show off their traditional skills.
Join in the dance to the pounding drumbeat or sing amid the Tahitian dance troupe in full cry on an open amphitheatre. Or witness ancient warriors in a palm tree climbing contest or lifting up to 300 pounds of stones. All these elaborate displays of culture are highlighted by young maidens and warriors dressed in traditional tribal garments.
For a less adventurous heart, the Heiva also features distinctive arts and crafts from each of French Polynesia’s five archipelagos. Here is where local artisans boast the best of their traditions passed on from one generation to the next. Hand-sewn quilts, or ‘tifaifai’, marked by floral designs unique to each maker. Carving in wood, bone, stone and mother-of-pearl. Tattooing. Stone sculpting. The making of ornaments from pandanus, pearl shell, and coral.
Bring your coconuts. Drape yourself in pareo wraparounds. And delve right in for the fun of your life.
