July is the month of festivities on the island of Tahiti. During this hot and sunny month, residents celebrate the festival of life called Heiva I Tahiti. It's a symbol of Polynesian culture and an iconic event for people who are proud of their heritage and history. One of the oldest festivals in the world, with its roots dating back to 1881, Heiva I Tahiti gathers dozens of dance ensembles from the entire island and beyond. Take in the incredible atmosphere of Tahitian rhythmic tarava music, Polynesian dances, and beautiful cultural attire, celebrating Tahitian heritage.
Dance Competition
While the festival features numerous traditional events, its main attraction is the dance contest. Dancing troops from all over the French Polynesia come to the event to showcase their skills in 'ote'a and ʻaparima dances. The 'ote'a dance involves rigorous hip movements to the sound of drums and hand gestures, symbolizing various themes. On the contrary, the ʻaparima brings spectators' attention to the dancer's hands, with graceful movements conveying ancient myths.
Locals honor the ancestral tradition, and dancers prepare for the festival for almost six months. They make costumes, select music, and choreograph their dances based on the authentic theme. The dance show is accompanied by live music from ukuleles, nasal flutes, and marine shells. During the festival some singing competitions also take place. The performances take place on July 4th, 5th, 6th, 11th, 13th, 19th, and 20th at 6:30 pm.
Sport Competitions
One more traditional event is the sport and game competition, including a stone lifting competition, a javelin-throwing event, outrigger canoe races, a copra competition, coconut tree climbing, and a fruit-carrying competition. Tahitians also participate in fierce canoe races, which depart from Mataiea and Aorai Tini Hau Park and take place until July 14th. The fruit-carrying races are scheduled to begin at 3 pm on July 11th at Paofai Park, followed by a traditional spectacle. The rest of the sports events are set to unfold from 9-10 am until 4 pm in Vaira'i Park on July 13th and 14th.
Arts & Crafts Market
Besides competitions, guests of the island have a chance to browse wonderful handmade crafts by the local artisans at the Māma'o Expo. This year, this annual market will be held with a theme of the Tahitian Gardenia, a national symbol of French Polynesia. Craftsmen and vendors will be offering jewelry, wood sculptures, baskets, and embroidery, all with Tahitian cultural heritage in mind. Many workshops and masterclasses are also held during the market, which runs from 8:30 am until 5:30 pm, from June 27th until July 14th.
Tickets & Location
Tickets to the dance show cost 2,000 CFP franks. It's worth visiting Tahiti in July to witness all the different parts of this amazing festival. Most of the events are held at the cultural center Maison de la Culture in the capital city of Papeete. Sports competitions take place in various parks, including Paofai Park, Aorai Tini Hau Park, and Vaira'i Park. The venue for the arts & crafts market is Māma'o Expo.
