Rich in culture and traditions, The Islands of Tahiti isn’t a place you just visit, it’s a place you feel part of. The Mana is there, in, each one of its 118 islands. There are many events and festivals for you to attend and gain a better understanding of our cultural heritage.

The heart of Mana

Culture, art and cinema

Ori Tahiti show at Heiva I Tahiti © KMH Media Production

The Heiva i Tahiti

The Heiva i Tahiti is the most beautiful expression of Polynesian culture. It’s a moment for an entire people to gather together to celebrate a common ancestral culture that is still very much a part of their everyday lives.

Following months of research, costume-making and rehearsals, each dance troupe presents their ‘aparima (traditional dances) that portrays a legend from their own island or district. The dances are a monumental ballet of mouvements and steps that have been transmitted down through the ages from father to son and mother to daughter.

The rhythm of the accompanying to’ere (wooden drum) is the heartbeat of our ancestors, helping to keep their memory alive and binding us to them. This heartbeat is the Mana.

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Festival International du Film documentaire océanien © FIFO

International Oceanian Documentary Film Festival (FIFO)

The FIFO is an important festival for documentary films in Oceania. It highlights the problems, concerns and sentiments of the inhabitants of the Pacific Ocean.

It is a unique occasion for media and audiovisual professionals in the Pacific to promote themselves. FIFO also provides the opportunity to meet the directors and producers of the films selected, and to attend conferences, workshops and other audiovisual events.

The festival celebrated 20 years in 2023 and continues to showcase the concerns and challenges facing the region of Oceania.

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Surfer la vague de Teahupoo©_Steve Dickinson

Olympic Games 2024

Paris 2024 surfing competitions

Paris 2024 will be a unique celebration of of the spirit of the Olympic mouvement. Four sports will make their appearance in the Games for the first time, and one of these is surfing.

As part of a committment to include every corner of French territory in this magnificent sporting festival, the site chosen for the surfing competition is Teahupo’o. It is the first time that a French Overseas Territory will participate in the Olympic Games directly.

Teahupo’o 2024 is not just an opportunity to stage a surfing competition, it is also the chance to promote the beauty and authenticity of The Islands of Tahiti to a global TV audience.

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Vacation packages

Cultural immersion

Events on now

The best way to learn about Tahitian culture is through the many traditional cultural events held each year. Book your vacation package now!

 

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22 days

22 Day & 7 Multi-Island Tahiti Vacation by Far & Away

Bora Bora,Fakarava,Moorea,Raiatea,Rangiroa,Tahiti

From 7200 $ per person
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10 days

Ultimate 4 Island Retreat by Far & Away

Bora Bora,Moorea,Rangiroa,Tahiti

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Les incontournables

Hawaiki Nui Va’a

Hawaiki Nui Va’a is one of the most impressive and popular sporting events in the South Pacific. It is the biggest outrigger canoes race in The Islands of Tahiti.

Six-man outrigger canoes race across the open ocean from Huahine to Raiatea, Taha’a and finally to Bora Bora. Over 100 canoes participate in this 80 mile, three-day course, with literally hundreds of boats of all types and sizes following them in support.

The arrival on the glorious Matira Beach in Bora Bora is one of the world’s most spectacular sporting moments.

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hawaiki nui vaa © Steve Dickinson

You’ll also enjoy

Xterra Triathlons

The Xterra Tahiti groups together three different sporting events on different days in Moorea. Running, mountain bike and open water swimming races take place in the magnificent setting of this beautiful South Pacific tropical island.

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Xterra Triathlon
XTerra Trail

Be inspired

Experiences

The Islands of Tahiti is a dream destination where you can choose to do as little or as much as you like. Discover the flavors, scents and scenery of our islands and feel the Mana that is present everywhere.

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Go a little further

The choice of events

World Tourism Day

Tahiti
On 27th September each year, World Tourism Day is organized on a special theme to highlight a particular aspect of tourism. The theme changes from year to year and tackles subjects such as cultural diversity, community development, rural tourism and sustainable tourism, etc.

The Tahiti Paddleboard Festival

Tahiti
The Tahiti Paddleboard Festival is the most important Stand Up Paddle competition in the Pacific. Organizer: Events Pacific Place : Tahiti Email : [email protected] Facebook : Tahiti Paddle Festival

Pareo Day

Tahiti
A special and very colorful occasion in the Polynesian calendar is the last Friday in May, when everybody is invited to wear a traditional pareo for the day.

Chinese New Year

Tahiti
Spend the Chinese New Year in The Islands of Tahiti and enjoy the most colorful of celebrations. Lasting 15 days, the festivities give an insight into this surprising Asian culture. Celebrate Chinese culture in idyllic surroundings Each year, the chinese community in The Islands of Tahiti waits impatiently for these festivities which augur a new…

Tahiti Fashion Week

Tahiti
Tahiti Fashion Week is 3 colorful evenings of Polynesian fashion in a blend of maohi culture, natural products and expertise. Featuring tahitian pearls, nacre, Monoï, cloth, pareos, tapa and weaving, Tahiti Fashion Week is an exceptional showcase for our Fenua on the international scene, the reflection of a dynamic Polynesia, imaginative, creative and open to…

XTERRA TAHITI Trail

Moorea
Each year, normally in May, local and international athletes gather in Moorea for the XTERRA, a triathlon, trail and swim-run competition. This unique event combining sport and nature is an unforgettable experience for all the competitors.

Hura Tapairu

Tahiti
Created in 2004, the Hura Tapairu is a dancing competition for small dance troupes (less than 30 dancers on stage) presenting original performances. It is held in Tahiti each year in November.

Tahiti Pearl Regatta

Raiatea – Taha’a
Since 2004, Tahiti Pearl Regatta (TPR) has become one of the most popular, festive and publicized sailboat races in the Pacific Islands. The regatta is governed by World Sailing rules. Crews can register in the following categories: Racing Monohull (division 1 or 2) for boats with a tonnage certificate HN Osiris; Racing Multihulls, for boats…

Hawaiki Nui Va’a

Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a, Bora Bora
Hawaiki Nui Va’a is a race for the emblematic Polynesian outrigger canoes. It is held in The Society Islands each year and takes place over three days. Hundreds of six-man outrigger canoes from French Polynesia, together with a few foreign crews, partcipate in this unique marathon race.

Tahiti Fishing Contest

Tahiti
The Tahiti Fishing Contest takes place over several days and offers participants the opportunity to test themselves in the fish-filled waters around Tahiti. The anglers head out to sea in boats that are specially equipped for sport fishing. There are different categories including marlin, tuna, mahi-mahi (common dolphinfish) among others, which increases the chances of…

Heiva i Tahiti

Tahiti
The Heiva i Tahiti is the most popular and important event in the cultural calendar of The Islands of Tahiti. A colorful celebration of traditional chants, music and dancing, in a competition which brings together dance troupes from every corner of French Polynesia. The evening performances are a rapturous explosion of color and movement.

Matari’i i raro and Matari’i i ni’a

Tahiti
The Polynesian calendar is divided into two seasons: matarii i nia, the season of abundance, which begins on 20th November, and matarii i raro, the season of scarcity, which starts on 20th May. The passage from one season to the other is marked by a ritual to announce the arrival of abundance, in the rainy…

XTerra SwimRun

Moorea
The Xterra Tahiti is a sporting competition held on the island of Moorea. It attracts local and international athletes keen to test their limits and enjoy an outdoor adventure in a tropical setting. The event is held on serveral dates and involves the three the disciplines of a triathlon, swimming, mountain bike and running.

Moorea marathon

Moorea
The Moorea Marathon exists since 1988. Generally held in the month of March, this annual event takes competitors on an exploration of the interior of this island paradise.

Makatea Vertical Adventure 

Makatea
Makatea Vertical Adventure is a unique event in French Polynesia. Whether you’re a beginner or a serious climber, you’ll find enough of a challenge to keep you on your toes. The cliffs of Makatea not only have a complete and extensive range of climbing trails, they also offer breathtaking views over the Pacific Ocean.

Xterra Triathlons

Moorea
The Xterra triathlon is a sporting event held each year on the island of Moorea. The participants have to show endurance, strength and technical ability to complete the course in the great outdoors. The Xterra triathlon combines three sporting disciplines: swimming, mountain bike and running. Two competitions: – Xterra Air Tahiti Nui Elite: 1,5km swim,…

Tahiti Pro Teahupo’o

Tahiti – Teahupoo
The Tahiti Pro Teahupo’o is a major event in the professional world surfing calendar of The World Championship Tour (WCT) and World Surf League (WSL). Held each August in the Hava’e pass at Teahupo’o. It is also the most important event staged by the Tahitian Surf Federation.

Polynesian Battle Games

Tahiti
The Polynesian Battle Games is a Crossfit competition that usually takes place over the three days of the easter weekend. The event is open to competitors of all levels (Scaled, intermediate, Rx) individually or in pairs.

Te Aito et Super Aito

Tahiti – Moorea
The Te Aito is an outrigger canoe marathon, considered to be one of the world’s most prestigious and challenging va’a races . More than a canoe race, a popular festival The Te Aito is a popular event which disciplines such as surfski and prone paddleboard SUP races as well as the individual outrigger canoe (Va’a)…

Mister Tahiti

Tahiti
Mister Tahiti is a popular annual event, held in the gardens of Papeete Town Hall, to elect the most handsome man in French Polynesia. Contestants must have qualities that combine elegance, kindness and strength. Only about a dozen of the initial candidates from all over The Islands of Tahiti are selected for this final stage…

Matavaa Henua Enana

Marquesas Islands
The Marquesas Islands festival is a magnificent, colorful occasion, reputed for its artistic splendour, tattooing and traditional dance. The event is held every two years and is a moment of unification for Marquesans from all the islands in the archipelago. The festival is held in a different island each time.

Heiva Tu’aro Maohi of the Polynesian Triangle

Tahiti
The Heiva Tuaro Maohi is a cultural festival that brings together cousins, brothers and friends from throughout the Polynesian Triangle. It is a celebration of the traditional Polynesian sports promoted by the Committee for the Traditional Sports of the Pacific whose head office is in Hawaii.

Rangiroa Pro

Rangiroa – Avatoru
The Rangiroa Pro is a professional surfing competition and part of the QS ranking system for almost 80 local and international surfers. The competition is held at Avatoru Pass in the north of Rangiroa in March. Surfers compete with each other in warm, crystal clear water. The waves formed by the reef are almost perfect…

Miss Tahiti

Tahiti
More than just a beauty contest, Miss Tahiti is a veritable tribute to the elegance and natural charms of the vahine. Each candidate is selected not just for her beauty and charisma, but also for her attchment to her roots and her knowledge of Polynesian culture. Miss Tahiti is a much publicized event that is…

Pacific International Documentary
Film Festival

Tahiti
Each year, the FIFO embarks on an exploration of Oceania. The event takes place in Tahiti at the Maison de la Culture. Every documentary film is a unique voyage into the heart of Oceania. The festival is above all an opportunitry for Oceanians to promote their culture and voice their concerns. After Tahiti, the festival goes…

Tahiti Soul Jazz

Tahiti
The Tahiti Soul Jazz is an annual music festival held in The Islands of Tahiti, and is the opportunity for local music fans to enjoy the unique sounds of New Orleans jazz. The festival lasts for three days with concerts, masterclasses and the chance to meet internationally renowned musicians. Organizer: Frédéric DUBUISPlace: TahitiWebsite: https://www.tahitisouljazz.com/Email: [email protected]

Tahiti Moorea Sailing Rendez-vous

Tahiti, Moorea
Sailing has always been a voyage of discovery and adventure in The Islands of Tahiti. The Tahiti Moorea sailing RDV is an opportunity to discover the bays and white sandy beaches of Moorea in the same way as the very first Polynesians did.

Holopuni Va’a Hawaiki Nui Voyage

The Holopuni Va’a Hawaiki Nui Voyage is an ocean race for double-outrigger sailing canoes. The three-man canoes race between Tahiti, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea and Bora Bora using the force of the wind and just a single non-fixed paddle for steering.

Trophy Table Art

Trophy Table Art is an itinerant competition for excellence in culinary arts. The aim is to promote the different trades in the restaurant and hotel business, including presentation, service and gastronomy. The competition progresses through all the French overseas territories during the course of the year and the best contestants compete in a grand finale…

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