A vacation in French Polynesia is not just lying on the beach and admiring the scenery, it is also the opportunity to discover the thriving ancestral culture. Arts, tradition, archeology, sport, cuisine… There’s so much to see in The Islands of Tahiti.
Discover tahitian culture
The marae
Marae are the most important archeological sites in The Islands of Tahiti. You’ll find the vestiges of these open-air temples on almost every island in French Polynesia. The most important marae of all is in Taputapuatea on the sacred island of Raiatea. The best known marae in Tahiti are Arahurahu and Ta’ata, and you can visit them to learn more about the ancestral ma’ohi culture.
Te Fare Iamanaha
Te Fare Iamanaha, also called the Musée de Tahiti et des Iles has been recently restored. It is dedicated to the history of French Polynesia and the Polynesian people. You’ll find it in Punaauia on the west coast of Tahiti.
Fare Hape
Fare Hape is a cultural site deep in the valley of the Papenoo. As well as a marae and an area for festivities and celebrations, there are reproductions of ancient dwellings, built using the techniques of old. This open-air museum is maintained by the cultural association Haururu. It’s possible to spend the night at Fare Hape, an opportunity to immerse yourself in the Mana of this special site.
« Culture is space and time made sensitive to the heart. »
Tahitian culture
Tahitian culture is rich and thriving, as you’ll soon discover during your vacation. A visit to the ancient and sacred marae of Taputapuatea is an opportunity to discover the origins of this ancient culture. You can also visit the many museums to learn more about the history and traditions of French Polynesia. Try some typical dishes of Polynesian cuisine, test yourself at some of the ancient sports, learn to dance the ‘ori and perhaps even get a tattoo. Immerse yourself in the unique culture of The Islands of Tahiti.
Be inspired
Experiences
There are many aspects to the unique culture of French Polynesia. You can participate in activities that are an integral part of it. Learn how to make monoï oil, have a go at sailing an outrigger canoe, wear a pareo and try to speak at least a few words of Tahitan. Immerse yourself in the Mana of The Islands of Tahiti.
Cultural events
The South Sea islands of French Polynesia are known to have a rich cultural heritage. Each island has its own specificities that the local populations are determined to keep alive and share with visitors from all over the world. Festivals are organized to celebrate and promote local traditions and some of them are major events in the cultural life of The Islands of Tahiti. The Heiva i Tahiti is a competition of traditional dance and song held in July each year. It is a magnificent celebration of Polynesian culture, with dance groups from all over French Polynesia taking part. The superb colorful costumes and pulsating rhythms of the to’ere drum make this an event not to be missed during your stay. Another major event in the cultural calendar is the Tu’aro Ma’ohi is a festival of traditional sports such as throwing the javelin, stone lifting, coconut tree climbing and outrigger canoe racing.
Hura Tapairu
Hawaiki Nui Va’a
Heiva i Tahiti
Matari’i i raro and Matari’i i ni’a
Matavaa Henua Enana
Heiva Tu’aro Maohi of the Polynesian Triangle
Holopuni Va’a Hawaiki Nui Voyage
Pareo Day
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