The heart of the people is also to be found in the “Crafts Heiva” that runs concurrently with these events with exhibitions and demonstrations of all forms of craftwork from the five island groups together. The rest of the year is studded with various events devoted to handicrafts or horticulture (for instance, the famous « Tiare Day ») or cultural events.

Sports play a growing role with unsurpassed international fame in surfing and canoe racing in particular. Running is increasingly popular, as shown by the growth of various sports events or of simple raids and hikes.

JANUARY

 

“TERE AATI”

(January 04-15)

Cultural and historical event on Rurutu in the Austral Islands featuring a long

walk through ancestral sites (marae, cliffs, etc.), to the three villages (moerai,

Avera and Auti) and a visit to various homes where guests recieve this

island's traditional greeting, a shower of thrown talcum powder.

 

7th INTERNATIONAL OCEANIAN DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL OF TAHITI - FIFO

(January 26 - 31)

Projections, training workshops, conferences, discussions and digital

meetings at the Cultural Centre.

info@fifotahiti.org / www.fifotahiti.org

 

 

3rd TAHITI & HER ISLANDS TOURISM FAIR

(January 03 -  February 02)

 

Toata Square, Papeete, Tahiti.

The objective of this trade show is to promote and develop tourism

industry within each and every one of the five archipelagos.

The many expected exhibitors will present their products and special offers

from various tourism sectors.

 

 

FEBRUARY

 

22nd TAHITI - MOOREA MARATHON

(February 13)

Experts consider this marathon, which is held on the island of

Moorea as one of the finest in the world with over 635 entrants from many

nationalities. First Aid, refreshment and sponge stations located every 2,5 km

and Tahitian music will be provided along the route and at the finish line.

One full week of entertainment - arts and crafts, cultural activities, will

enable the runners to relax and enjoy the magnificent setting.

 

 

CHINESE NEW YEAR

(February 14)

The French Polynesian Chinese community celebrates the New Year on the date given by

the Chinese horoscope for the year (the rat). The program of festivities begins with the

official opening ceremony at the Papeete Town Hall and is followed by several events

including the parade of the lion through all the neighboring shops. A cultural day is

also organized where you discover all the magic of Chinese folk culture (song and dance,

martial and culinary arts).

To wind it all up, there is a lantern march through the city streets closes the celebration.

 

 

 

MOOREA “TERE FA'ATI”

Along the same lines as the Tahiti island tour, this excursion will show you

the tourist sites of the sister island in a festive atmosphere,

to the sounds of the ukulele.

 

RAIATEA INTERNATIONAL BILLFISH TOURNAMENT

8th International deep-sea fishing competition.

raiateabillfish@mail.pf / www.go-tahiti.com

 

MARCH

 

MISSIONARIES DAY

(March 5)

A commemorative celebration of the 213th anniversary arrival 

in Tahiti of the first English Protestant missionaries on March 5, 1797.

 

 

 

TAHITI INTERNATIONAL BULLFISH TOURNAMENT

(March 29 - April 03)

In Tahiti (Taina Marina, Punaauia), international deep-sea fishing competition

preceding that of Raiatea. emalmezac@satnui.pf 

 

RAID OF THE PENINSULA

(March 29)

In Tautira, Teahupoo.

 

APRIL

 

2nd "ARU'I HORO"

(April 10)

On Moorea, two night foot races in the Opunohu domain:

- 10km for experienced runners,

- 5 km for amateurs

(Be sure to wear a headlamp).

 

 

FESTIVAL OF OCEANIC LEGENDS

Shows, workshops, animations, meetings at the "Maison de la Culture"

Cultural Centre.

 

 

4th TAHITI "TAMURE" MARATHON

Toa'ata Square, Papeete, Tahiti.

Amateurs and professionals are invited to enrol in the Polynesian dance

class, also called "ori Tahiti" for 5 hours.

 

 

TRIAL AIR TAHITI NUI VON ZIPPER SURFING

Qualifying surf competition in Teahupoo (Tahiti), prior to the famous

Billabong Pro that brings together foreign and local surf pros.

 

TIFAIFAI EXHIBITION

At the city council of Papeete, Tahiti

 

BILLABONG PRO SURFING

An international competition amongst the world's best surfers on

Teahupoo's mythical wave in Tahiti.

 

MAY

 

7th TAPS JUNIOR

(May 01-02)

Two days of juniors surfing competition of ages 16-18 at the Taapuna coral

reef pass, in Punaauia, Tahiti.

 

16th TAAPUNA MASTER SURFING

(May 06-13 or 13-20 or 20-27 in Waiting Period according to the weather).

Giant surf competitions for Open amateur over 4 days in the Taapuna coral

reef pass, featuring several disciplines and categories.

 

 

THE LAND OF MEN MARATHON

(May 11)

A one-of-a-kind marathon in Ua Pou, by its location, its atmosphere, the simplicity of

 the island's people so dear to Jacques BREL and Paul GAUGUIN.

In unblemished surroundings, Marquesan horsemen ride along the athletes.

 

7th TAHITI PEARL REGATTA

(May 12-16)

The Tahiti Pearl Regatta or TPR has become the Polynesian Triangle's biggest

yearly sailboat race after the 2008 edition's sponsorship by famous French

sailor Olivier de KERSAUSON.

The race is open to all types of sailboats for all nationalities and combines

ocean cources with lagoon competitions, followed by friendly and

festive evenings on "motu" or on major hotels. The regatta is organised for

tpr@mail.pf / www.tahitipearlregatta.org.pf/

 

 

ARIIMATATINI RACE

(May 12-14)

Outrigger canoe race for single paddlers in the Tuamotu Archipelago,

particularly at Rangiroa and in the same weekend, a village crafts exposition

and sport and fishing competitions.

 

RANGIROA CHANNEL HOE

(May 14)

A race from Rangiroa to Tikehau for 6-paddler outrigger canoes with several

changes of 3 paddlers at a time. The distance is some 85km (53 miles) and

takes 6 hours for the fastest canoes.

 

THE MATARI'I I RARO FESTIVAL

(MAY 18)

Cultural events related to the start of the cooler dry season when the land

stops producing.

This is when the sun's bright light hides pleiades, a cluster

of stars in the constellation Taurus, on the horizon during sunset time in

Tahiti and Her Islands.

 

VA'A TEA ECO RACE

(mid-May)

From Raiatea to Tahiti, a boat race honoring renewable energies in which

boats powered by primary energy compete against boats powered by man-made fuel.

 

7th RAID MOOREA - EXOTIC ADVENTURES

(May 29)

Individual or team races of 3 people (men, women or mixed), on Moorea.

3 disciplines: mountainbike (20 km), running in the mountains (10 km) and Kayak (5 km).

A unique, exotic race in French Polynesia

 

TIFAIFAI EXHIBITION

A Papeete City Hall exhibition of colourful patchwork sewn bed and cushin
covers and wall hangings.

MARQUESAS ISLANDS EXHIBITION

Exhibition and sale of artisan creations from the Marquesas Islands in the

French Polynesia Assembly's exhibit hall, Papeete.

 

 

JUNE

 

TAMA HITI RAU

Performances by the traditional dance schools at
Vaiete Square
in Papeete, and at the beginning of the Heiva Festival at
To'ata Square

 

HEEMOANA RACE

56-km (35 mile) outrigger canoe ocean race for French Polynesia and

Pacific paddlers between the Hava'e coral reef pass off Teahupoo at

Tahiti's peninsula and the Taapuna ass off Punaauia on Tahiti's west

coast.

 

5th TAHITI - MOOREA SAILING RENDEZ-VOUS

(June 18-20)

Designed as an interactive event between tourists, sailors and residents,

these 3 days of festivities begins at the Papeete Harbor's Yacht Dock and

continues with a sail to Moorea and a variety of local competitions on

Tahiti's sister island, such as outrigger canoe races, javelin-throwing and

fruit-carrier's races.

archipelagoes@mail.pf / www.portdepapeete.pf

 

HEIVA RIMA'I ARTISANS FESTIVAL

A big artisans exhibition using Polynesian legends as themes, bringing

together artisans from French Polynesia's five archipelagos. These men and

women of amazing manual dexterity display their creations for the delight of

visitors, thereby encouraging future generations to take an active interest in

developing these skills. An excellent cultural event revealing the Polynesian
identity and the people's pride.

 

DANCE SCHOOLS HEIVA

Toa'ata Square, Papeete, Tahiti.

All the traditional dance schools of Tahiti, Moorea and other French

Polynesian islands come together to produce their yearly show and their

expertise in traditional-art (fire-dance, percussion-instrument).

The artists, aged from 4 to 70 years old enjoy themselves to the fullest

during all the performances.

 

3rd UKULELE FESTIVAL

(In the week of June 21st, during the Musical Festivities).

This music contest in Tahiti's Commune of Hitia'a is open to all

musicians at all levels and is divided into two parts:

- Groups of 3 musicians each presenting a kaina, or traditional piece,

of 3 min. and a second piece with no imposed theme.

- A soloist with a musician from the group performing a piece with no

imposed theme.

mairie.hitiaa@commune-hitiaaotera.pf

 

INTERNATIONAL GOLF OPEN

At Atimaono on the Olivier Bréaud golf course in Atimaono,

Mataiea, about 40 kilometres (25 miles) from Papeete, Tahiti. Some 50

golf proffesionals from Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, the Cook

Islands and various other South Pacific Islands participate.

HEEMOANA RACE

56-km (35 mile) outrigger canoe ocean race for French Polynesia and

Pacific paddlers between the Hava'e coral reef pass off Teahupoo at

Tahiti's peninsula and the Taapuna pass of Punaauia on Tahiti's west

coast.

5th TAPUTAPUATEA FESTIVAL

(June 30-July 03)

This event is named "Te Ana Pu Iva Fe'e Maohi Tere Moana" which

means "the octopus' eight tentacles that glide in the ocean". It traces

the history of Polynesian migrations and the uniting of South Pacific

islands to Raiatea, the sacred island, by presenting various ceremonies

and ancestral customs (dancing, singing, cooking, etc.).

 

 
JULY

HEIVA VA'A I TAHITI

Great outrigger canoe racing in Papeete Harbor and its channel featuring

nearly 1,500 men and women paddlers, all dressed in traditional pareus

and flower head crowns. These top athletes compete in the junior, senior

and veteran categories in one-paddler, three-paddler, six-paddler and

16-paddler canoes.

 

128th HEIVA I TAHITI

The largest annual contest of traditional Polynesian singing and dancing

groups will take place at To'Ata Square in downtown Papeete. Authentic

or legendary themes inspired by the cultural heritage of a single island or

a group of islands are presented as each group attempts to make the

most of its heritage.

 

HEIVA TU'ARO MA'OHI

This contest of traditional sports allows athletes from French Polynesia's

five archipelagos to display their agility in different athletic fields coconut

tree climbing, stone lifting, javelin throwing, outrigger sailing canoe

races, etc. These competitions are held at Place Vai'ete in Papeete, in the

Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands' garden in Punaauia and off Venus

Point in Mahina.

 

A TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE IN TUAMOTU ISLANDS

(July 11)

Over 1,300 "eclipse chasers" are expected at the atolls of Tatakoto,

Hikueru, Anaa and Hao for a 4-minute observation of one of the world's

most exceptional and unique astral phenomenon.

 

HEIVA I BORA BORA

(Begins in the week of the 26 June until the end of July)

Motoi Place in Vaitape

info-bora-bora@mail.pf

 

TE AITO VA'A

(mid-July)

One-day individual outrigger canoe race for paddlers over approximately

10 kms (6 miles). The best 100 paddlers qualify for the "Super Aito" race.

 

AUGUST

AIR TAHITI NUI / VON ZIPPER TRIALS

(August 21-25)

Qualifying surf competition of Teahupoo at Tahiti's peninsula, prior to the

famous Billabong Pro that brings together foreign and local surf pros.

 

BILLABONG PRO TAHITI

(August 21-25)

An in international competition amogst the world's best surfers on

Teahupoo's mythical waves of Tahiti's peninsula.

 

TE VAI ARI'I MARATHON: The SUPER AITO VA'A

(mid-August)

Three-day individual outrigger canoe races for individual paddlers featuring the

Top 100 qualified paddlers from the "Te Aito" race. The Super Aito races

cover distances of 5, 10, 15 and 20 kms (3, 6, 9 and 12 miles).

 

SEPTEMBER

 

8th TAAPUNA PRO/AM SURFING

(September 27 - October 01 in Waiting Period)

Open Surf competition opposite the Taapuna coral reef pass over 2 days.

Among the best local surfers/body boarders, open to proffesionals.

 

 

9th RAID PAINAPO

(September 18)

On Moorea. a 20-km mountain race for the three-person teams (men,

women or mixed). This event is held as a part of the Tourism Week program.

 

 

WORLD TOURISM DAY

(September 27)

In Tahiti and Her Islands.

 

OCTOBER

 

19th HAWAIKI NUI VA'A

The traditional "Va'a", or outrigger canoe, race of more than 100 canoes

between the Leeward Islands of Huahine, Raiatea, Taha'a and Bora Bora.

The finish line is off Matira point, Bora Bora.

ftvaa@ifrance.com / www.hawaikinuivaa.pf

 

AUSTRAL ISLANDS EXHIBITION

(October 17-November 08)

Exhibition and sale of artisan creations from the Austral Islands in the
French Polynesia Assembly's exhibit hall, papeete.

 

NOVEMBER

 

6th INTERNATIONAL TATTOO FESTIVAL - TATTOONESIA

In Papeete from 12am to 10pm, a manifestation of more than 60 master

tattooists from Polynesia, the Pacific Islands and Japan as well as dance

shows, craft exhibitions, film projections, conferences, official competitions,

Miss and Mister Tatoo election and many other cultural animations.

info@tattoonesia.com / www.tattoonesia.com

 

4th "MONOI HERE", WEEK OF MONOI

(November 17 - 20)

Exposition stands - sales, conferences, massages, demonstrations, film

projections, documentaries, etc. at the "Maison de la Culture" Cultural

Centre.

monoi.de.tahiti@mail.pf / www.monoi-institut.org

 

THE MATARI'I NI'A HARVEST TIME FESTIVAL

(November 20)

Cultural events on Tahiti, Moorea, Huahine and Raiatea leading up to

Nov. 20, the day when Pleiades, a cluster of stars in the constellation

Taurus, appears in the sky above Tahiti and Her Islands.

 

3rd TRAIL ROTUI

(November 20)

Individual running of 15km in Opunohu Valley, one of Moorea's biggest

valleys.

 

DECEMBER

 

6th "HURA TAPAIRU"

(December 01-05)

Traditional Dance Competition at the "Maison de la Culture" Cultural Centre.

 

TIARE DAYS

(First week of December)

A special tribute to Tahiti's national emblem, the Tiare Tahiti flower, with

competitive decorations at businesses and public places in Papeete.

gsft@mail.pf

 

 

For more information on the following sporting events on Mooorea (Tahiti

 - Moorea Marathon, "Aru'i Horo", Raid Moorea, Raid Painapo and Trial

Rotui, please contact: info@mooreaevents.org / www.mooreaevents.org

For surfing events, contact: fedesurf@live.fr / www.surf.pf

For outrigger competitions: ftvaa@mail.pf

For cultural events (Festival of Oceanic Legends, "Hura Tapairu"):

communication@maisondelaculture.pf / www.maisondelaculture.pf

For other events, contact: com@heivanui.pf

 

 

This calendar is for information purposes only. All events maybe be subject
to change.