Events of great breath and a breathtaking nature, Polynesian traditions and sports, volcanic beaches and archaeological sites: these are the elements with which Tahiti, main island of French Polynesia, fascinates those who want to discover it in summer, on the occasion of Heiva Nui, the great feast that Tahiti soul and its islands from late June to late July.
Every year, Tahiti celebrates the Heiva Nui (Heiva in Tahitiano means feast and Nui means great): dancers, singers, athletes and artisans from the five French Polynesia archipelagos gather on the island to be part of the exciting festival in honor of Polynesian culture.
For a whole month, Tahiti becomes the scene of sports events, including Heiva goes to the Tahiti, the classic races of va’a (the traditional Polynesian pirope) and the Heiva Tu’aro ma’ohi, characteristics Maohi competitions such as climbing on coconut palms, lifting stones or racing of fruit bearers.
At the same time, Polynesian singing and dance schools, the traditional Ori Tahiti, perform during the days that prepare at the highlight of the great feast: the evening of the awards, which this year falls on July 22, during which the winners are decreed.
To them Heiva shows can be alternated the many activities and excursions that Tahiti offers. The best way to discover the green heart of the island, for example, is to go trekking to the discovery of the Papenoo valley, rich in archaeological sites and spectacular waterfalls. The climbing of Mount Aorai (2,066 m) is very pleasant and can be done without a guide. For fitness fanatics, it should be borne in mind that there are several professional hiking and mountain climbing routes that last several days.
Lovers of the sea can discover the coast close to the bay of Punaauia by renting a catamaran or, if neophytes, take sailing lessons. The most intrepid can try with traditional Polynesian canoe lessons or surfing, while those who want to enjoy a relaxing holiday can simply attend the surf races held in Tehaupoo, on the west coast of Tahiti, which every year hosts the trials and races of the Billabong Tahiti Pro.
Who are you? at the Heiva show it wants to support instead cultural visits has that the embarrassment of the choice among the many museums that the main island of French Polynesia offers: from the Tahiti Museum and its islands, or from the Museum of Black Pearl of Tahiti or still from the house of James Norman Hall, visiting one of the famous marae, the ancient places of pagan worship composed of simple blocks of stone and wood, dedicated to the Tahitian gods.
Tahiti hosts the Mahaiatea, Arahurahu, Anapua and Farehape where, in addition to religious rites, the rulers were crowned, marriages were celebrated, war councils were held. Today the marae hosts historical reconstructions, even during the Heiva, but there is still a solemn air and an aura of mystery.
Who finally wants to discover the town of Papeete, capital of Tahiti and the entire French Polynesia, can do it in truck, a small colored truck that acts as a public transport vehicle.
Not to be missed, the lively Papeete market, whose stalls house the colorful pareos, which sellers willingly help to wear à la tahitienne; the traditional tapa, fabrics obtained by working and beating the peel of plants, now often framed; and the tifaifai, traditional fabric artifacts representing flowers and exotic fruit in symmetric designs.
Next to these wonderful craft creations, fresh flowers and typical Tahiti fruits are sold together with the legendary mono,, the beauty oil based on Tiare, the variety of gardenia that grows only in these islands.
