© Tahiti Tourisme
Agenda of the year
Fairs, festivals, cultural gatherings, sporting events … Here is a list of the main events throughout the year for an outstanding immersion.
We have even prepared vacation offers specially designed around some of these dates. Whichever occasion sparks your interest, our team of experts will advise you, guide you and organize with you the trip of your dreams.
Each of these days, dedicated too sharing, encounters and discoveries of all kinds, will mark this long-awaited adventure in our islands; a privileged moment to savor. Don’t miss the event that could well become one of your fondest memories.
January
FIFO : Festival International du Film Océanien
Place : Tahiti
Each year, audiovisual professionals in Oceania present their new documentary films to the public. Selected and rewarded by an international jury, the FIFO’s works bring together and celebrate with new images the culture, history and daily life of people from Oceania. In addition to free screenings, the festival offers various events, workshops and meetings to everyone’s delight.
May
Pareu Day
May 29th, 2021
For several years now, the Pareu Day has been organized across our islands. Wherever you are, in Polynesia or elsewhere, you are invited to join in and celebrate with us this garment so deeply rooted in our traditions that it has become a genuine symbol! It’s a colorful day awaiting you, ideal for great sunny photos… an invitation to travel!
June
Orange celebrations
Specific date to be defined / Place : Tahiti (Punauia)
Come and celebrate the orange bearers, who for several generations now, have climbed up to the Tamanu plateau, a two days’ walk from the city, to collect their crops. Each year, they carry 4 to 6 tones on their backs thanks to their strength, their courage and their love for this ancestral tradition which continues to impress us. On the festivities’ program: the parade and a competition to reward the most beautiful oranges gathered!
Heiva Rima'i
Specific date to be defined / Place : Tahiti (Papeete)
The Heiva Rima’i opens its doors as local craft experts from the 5 Archipelagos come to exhibit their most beautiful creations! Braided coconut palms and pandanus leaves, carved stone, wood and bone, painted pareu, hats and jewelry … whether you are looking a souvenir of the islands or simply looking to attend for the pleasure of the eyes, you will not be disappointed! This is the perfect event to savor the know-how and the wealth of local crafts!
Mini Heiva
June 10th, 2021 / Place : Tahiti (Intercontinental Tahiti Resort & Spa)
The best groups of the great Heiva i Tahiti competition present the show that made them win their title during a memorable buffet evening at the Intercontinental Tahiti Resort & Spa.
July
Heiva i Tahiti
Cancelled for 2021 / Place : Tahiti (Papeete)
The Heiva i Tahiti is a key event of our islands that we no longer need to present! Since the return of traditional festivities with the Tiurai in 1881, it has continued to evolve, grow and gain popularity. After months of preparation and rehearsals, the authors, musicians, dancers, costume designers, singers, troop leaders and artists of all kinds gather under Toata’s spotlight to celebrate their love for their Polynesian culture, language and traditions. After several unforgettable evenings, amateur and professional groups are rewarded by a jury. The Heiva i Tahiti is a colorful and unforgettable show not to be missed!
Heiva ti'a mai
July 1st to 17th, 2021 / Place : Tahiti (Papeete)
To celebrate the 140th anniversary of the Heiva i Tahiti, Te Fare Tauhiti Nui organizes a festival of traditional singing and dance to give artists the opportunity to go back on stage during this sanitary crisis. Tahiti Ti’a Mai is all about resilience and hope.
Marae Arahurahu Traditional Show
Each Saturday of July and the first Saturday of August / Place : Tahiti (Paea, Marae Arahurahu)
Each year during the Heiva celebrations, the Marae Arahurahu is the scene of five exceptional traditional shows. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful marae of Tahiti located in the Tefa’aiti valley, the archaeological site restored in 1953 offers its happy visitors a lush setting, ideal to appreciate all the beauty of the local culture in communion with nature . Each Saturday the performances last from an hour to an hour and a half, to the delight of all.
Te Aito Va'a
Specific date to be defined / Place : Tahiti (Mahina, Pointe Vénus)
After the Hawaiki Nui Va’a, the Te Aito Va’a competition is one of the most famous Polynesian outrigger canoe races in Polynesia. Open to both long-time enthusiasts and new ones, the race is organized between the passes of Taaone and Arue and the arrival organized on the beautiful public beach Pointe Vénus in Mahina.
August
Super Aito Va'a
July 23rd to August 21st, 2021 / Place : Between Moorea and Tahiti (Mahina, Pointe Vénus)
Only the elite of Polynesian outrigger canoe competes in the Super Aito Va’a competition which is reserved for the 100 best competitors of Te Aito Va’a. The great champions outdo themselves during a race between Moorea and Tahiti. The grand arrival is organized at the Pointe Vénus beach in Mahina.
Tahiti Pro Teahupo'o
August 21st to September 4th, 2021 / Place : Tahiti (Teahupoo)
The biggest names in surfing meet to face the powerful and legendary wave of Teahupo’o! And if this stage of the “Elite SURF” world championship brings together a large number of professionals, other enthusiasts and spectators can also follow the competition from a boat and enjoy the show offered by one of the most famous surf spots in the world!
September
Ukulele International Festival
Place : Tahiti
Strong symbol of our culture, the ukulele is the most representative instrument of our islands. Its sounds evoke the landscapes, traditions and daily life of our beautiful Polynesia. The International Ukulele Festival is the opportunity for amateurs from everywhere to come together and play their instruments in a cheerful atmosphere!
October
Hawaiki Nui Va'a
October 27th to 29th, 2021 / Place : Huahine – Raiatea – Taha’a – Bora Bora
Each year the Leeward Islands are the scene of the biggest sporting event in Polynesia: the Hawaiki Nui Va’a! This Polynesian outrigger canoe race spans over 129 kilometers for men, 24 kilometers for women, and hosts teams of champions from Polynesia as well as from around the world. The competition is organized over several days and the big departure takes place on the island of Huahine in order to join Raiatea, then Taha’a and finally Bora Bora for the grand finale, on the sublime white sand beach of Matira. Many people follow the race on a boat! For the lucky ones who will have the chance to attend one or more stages of the event, the Hawaiki Nui Va’a is a unique adventure that won’t fail to impress you!
November
Tattoo Convention
November 3rd to 7th, 2021 / Place : Tahiti
The Tattoo Convention is an opportunity for tattoo artists from all archipelagos and elsewhere to meet and demonstrate their mastery. Each day, prizes will be awarded for the most beautiful pieces, including the grand prize which will reward the best tattoo of the convention. To make this event complete, crafts animations and traditional sports will also be on the program. You will have the chance to savor the different masterpieces of local tattoo artists and discover the beauty, subtlety and depth of traditions deeply rooted in the art of the legendary Polynesian tattoo.
Salon du Livre (Book Fair)
November 18th to 21st, 2021 / Place : Tahiti (Papeete, Maison de la Culture)
Main literary event in Polynesia, this book fair organizes 3 days of meetings, bringing together local as well as international writers and their work. This is an ideal opportunity for everyone to discover new books but also to enjoy the event’s workshops, discussions and projections.
Hura Tapairu
November 24th to December 4th, 2021 / Place : Tahiti (Papeete, Grand Théâtre de la Maison de la Culture)
The Hura Tapairu is another major dance competition, on a smaller scale than the Heiva i Tahiti, but just as breathtaking! Amateur and professional groups compete in music at the Grand Theater of the Maison de la Culture, delivering a spectacular show unanimously acclaimed every year!
December
Tiare Day
Specific date to be defined / Place : Tahiti (Papeete)
Tiare days are the occasion to celebrate the emblem of our islands through a flower decoration competition. Craftsmen come together to let their imagination run free on a particular theme and offer the public their best perfumed creations, for the pleasure of the senses!
Marquesas Arts Festival
December 2021 / Place : Fatu Hiva
The Marquesas Arts Festival is undoubtedly the main event of this mystical territory with strong traditions. Dances, songs, sports, tattoos, sculptures … Above all, it celebrates the richness of Marquesan culture, but also that of all of our islands. Each new edition takes place on a different island from the previous one. The main festival is organized every 4 years Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa and Ua Pou. For a few years now, a mini festival has also been held every 4 years in Tahuata, Ua Huka and Fatu Hiva. While the main festival also welcomes groups from other archipelagos, the mini festival is reserved for groups from the Marquesas. Organized alternately, these two versions of the festival allow travelers to attend this incredible event every 2 years.
