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Tahiti Events 2012 Discover exciting local Tahiti and island events during your French Polynesian vacation.
Choose a Tahiti accommodation package deal, then select from the huge range of local island cultural wonders below.
The Calendar of Events is provided courtesy of Tahiti Tourism. Dates of events are provided by Tahiti Tourism and are subject to change without notice.
MAY
GREAT GROUPS CLASSICAL CONCERT
May 04th to 05th
At the Cultural Center “Te Fare Tauhiti Nui”, Papeete - Tahiti.
9TH TAPS JUNIOR SURFING
May 05th to 06th
Two days of juniors surfing competition of ages 16-18 at the Taapuna coral reef pass in Punaauia, Tahiti.
18TH TAAPUNA MASTER SURFING
May 10th to 13th, 17th to 20th & 24th to 27th
Big surfing competition for amateurs taking place over 4 days at the Taapuna reef pass (Punaauia). Competition in the categories of: surfing, body-boarding, “drop knee” and Stand-Up Paddling.
10TH ARI’IMATATINI RACE
May 16
A single-man outrigger canoe race throughout the Tuamotu Archipelago, primarily on Rangiroa. At the same time, there will be a village crafts and traditional sport competitions (fruit carriers’ races, coconut leaf or “ni’au” weaving contests, local cooking competitions, etc.) to enliven these 2 days.
9TH TAHITI PEARL REGATTA
May 16th to 20th
Sailing-race between Raiatea, Tahaa and Bora Bora, opened to all types of sailboats for all nationalities and combines ocean courses with lagoon competitions, accompanied with friendly and festive evenings on “motu” or in major hotels.
3RD RANGIROA CHANNEL RACE
May 18
A race from Rangiroa to Tikehau for 6-paddler outrigger canoes with several changes of 3 paddlers at a time. The distance is some 83 km (51 miles) and takes 6 hours for the fastest canoes.
"MATĀRI’I I RARO" FESTIVAL
Papenoo, Tahiti
This festival marks the end of the period of abundance, the beginning of the Austral winter and the dry season when the soil produces less food and there is less to eat.
HEIVĀ OR ‘ORI TAHITI DANCE SCHOOLS
On To’ata Square, Papeete - Tahiti.
All the traditional dance schools of Tahiti, Moorea and other French Polynesian islands come together for this yearly show with expert performances in the traditional Polynesian arts (fire dancing, drums etc.). The participants range from the ages of 3 to 70 years old, making for a dynamic and convivial setting as these budding artists shine, demonstrating the essence of Polynesian “joie de vivre”.
“TIFAIFAI” EXHIBITION
A Papeete City Hall exhibition of Polynesian design patchwork sewn bed and cushion covers and wall hangings.
35TH MARQUESAS ISLANDS EXHIBITION
Exhibition and sale of artisan creations from the Marquesas Islands in the Aora’i Tinihau Hall at Pirae, Tahiti.
“MAHANA PAE”
May 25
Festive gathering in downtown Papeete, Tahiti, with the theme "I terā ra tau i Papeete" (At the old period in Papeete), bringing together visitors and the local population, all in local dress, with a variety of entertainment.
GREAT HARMONY CONCERT
At the former French Polynesia Hospital.
MOTHER'S DAY HANDICRAFT EXHIBITION
May 28th to June 03rd
Artisan’s exhibition at the French Polynesia’s Assembly Hall in Taraho’i, Papeete, Tahiti.
STAND UP PADDLE WORLD TOUR - SAPINUS PRO
May 29th to June 06th
A World Championship Tour in Tahiti that showcases the very best athletes in the world battling it out in the most challenging, spectacular and awe-inspiring conditions, in Punaauia, Tahiti.
JUNE
130TH HEIVĀ I TAHITI
Jun 02nd to July 22nd
The largest contest and the greatest annual meeting of traditional Polynesian singing and dancing groups take place at To’ata Square in downtown Papeete - Tahiti. Authentic or legendary themes inspired by the cultural heritage of a single island or a group of Polynesian islands are presented during these meeting as each group attempts to make the most of its cultural specificities.
THE TRANSIT OF VENUS
Jun 05
This is an exceptionally rare event, which happens in pairs only once a century. The event will be celebrated at Venus point through a number of organized activities, such as a dance show, exhibitions and observation of Venus…).
TAHITI VANILLA WEEK
Jun 06to to 09th
Come and discover or rediscover the Tahiti Vanilla and its by-products, learn about how vanilla is produced, prepared and transformed. Rejoin the agents of the vanilla channels at the French Polynesia’s Assembly Hall in Taraho’i, Papeete, as well as in participating restaurants and hotels.
The public, the agribusiness and cosmetic professionals, the researchers or students will be able to appreciate the wealth of the world’s highest quality vanilla, its unique flavor and its various uses.
PRIZE WINNERS’ CLASSICAL CONCERT
Jun 09
At the Pirae city hall, Tahiti.
TAHITI TOA VA’A
A race of 6-paddler outrigger canoes over a course including the towns located between Tautira and Papeete in Tahiti. The race starts in the morning on the beach at Tautira, a 62 km course along the east coast, and finishes in the Papeete channel at the end of the day.
THE “AITOMAN” TRIATHLON ON THE SACRED ISLAND
Jun 16
Two kilometers swimming, 96km by bike and 20km running at Uturoa on Raiatea.
GALA PARTY OF THE FRENCH POLYNESIA ARTISTIC CONSERVATORY "TE FARE UPA RAU"
On To’ata Square, Papeete - Tahiti.
“MAHANA PAE”
Jun 22
Festive gathering in downtown Papeete, Tahiti, with the theme "Te haari" (the coconut), bringing together visitors and the local population, all in local dress, with a variety of entertainment.
7TH TAHITI - MOOREA SAILING RENDEZ-VOUS (TMS)
Jun 22nd to 24th
Designed as an interactive event between tourists, sailors and residents, the TMS takes place over three days: one day in Tahiti with welcoming events, a day of sailing rally and one Polynesian day on Tahiti’s sister Moorea with a variety of Polynesian-style competitions, such as outrigger canoe races, fruit carrying races, stone lifting, coconut husking contest, etc.
5TH ‘UKULELE FESTIVAL
Jun 23
This musical contest in Tahiti’s Commune of Hitia’a, on the East coast, is open to all musicians at all levels.
6TH TAPUTAPUATEA FESTIVAL
Jun 25th to 29th
Named "Te Ana Iva Pu Fe’e Ma’ohi Tere Moana", which means "The Octopus’ Nine Tentacles that Glide on the Ocean", this event 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.
HEIVĀ “RIMA’I“
A big artisan’s exhibition organized by the committee "Tahiti ite Rima rau" in the Aora’i Tinihau Hall at Pirae (Tahiti), using traditional and local handicraft as theme, bringing together artisans from French Polynesia’s five archipelagos.
HEIVĀ I BORA BORA
Jun 29th to Aug 05th
The annual singing, dance and traditional sports competition along with crafts demonstrations at Moto’i Place in Vaitape.
JULY
29TH TAHITI INTERNATIONAL GOLF OPEN
First fortnight of July
The Olivier Bréaud International Golf Course in ‘Atimaono, Papara, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Papeete (Tahiti), hosts the annual Tahiti International Golf Open, a stop on the Pacific Tour organized by the Australian PGA and supported by the Polynesian Golf Federation.
HEIVĀ TU’ARO MA’OHI
July 13th to 15th
This contest allows athletes from French Polynesia’s five archipelagos, and sometimes from the entire Pacific region, to demonstrate their talents in ancient Polynesian sports. Workshops, demonstrations and initiation classes are on the program. The aim of the event is to develop traditional sports and encourage and recruit younger generations into these ancient Polynesian sports.
HEIVĀ VA’A I TAHITI
Great outrigger canoe racing in Papeete Harbor and the channel between Tahiti and Moorea featuring nearly 1,500 men and women paddlers, all dressed in traditional pareos 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.
25TH “TE AITO VA’A“
Jul 20th to 21st
One-day outrigger canoe race for individual paddlers over approximately 10 kms (6 miles). The best 100 paddlers qualify for the “Super Aito” race.
“MAHANA PAE”
Jul 27
Festive gathering in downtown Papeete, Tahiti, with the theme "’Ārearea" (The feast), bringing together visitors and the local population, all in local dress, with a variety of entertainment.
AUGUST
TE VAI ARI’I MARATHON: THE SUPER AITO VA’A
Three days of 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).
AIR TAHITI NUI / VON ZIPPER TRIALS
Aug 11th to 13th
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 SURFING
Aug 16th to 27th
An international competition amongst the world’s best surfers on Teahupoo’s mythical waves of Tahiti’s peninsula.
"MAHANA PAE"
Aug 31
Festive gathering in downtown Papeete, Tahiti, with the theme "Te Horu’e" (The surfing), bringing together visitors and the local population, all in local dress, with a variety of entertainment.
SEPTEMBER
11TH RAID PAINAPO
Sep 22
On Moorea, a 20-km foot race for experienced runners and 8-km foot race for amateurs, in the mountain for three-person teams (men, women or mixed).
WORLD TOURISM DAY
Sep 27
In Tahiti and Her Islands.
“MAHANA PAE”
Sep 28
Festive gathering in downtown Papeete, Tahiti, with the theme "Te ra‘au Tahiti" (Traditional medicine), bringing together visitors and the local population, all in local dress, with a variety of entertainment.
OCTOBER
10TH AUSTRAL ISLANDS EXHIBITION
Exhibition and sale of artisan creations organized by the Organizer Committee of Handicraft Exhibitions from the Austral Islands in the French Polynesia Assembly’s exhibit hall, Papeete.
“MAHANA PAE”
Oct 26
Festive gathering in downtown Papeete, Tahiti, with the theme "Te haaipoiporaa" (The wedding), bringing together visitors and the local population, all in local dress, with a variety of entertainment.
NOVEMBER
21ST HAWAIKI NUI VA’A
Nov 07th to 09th
The traditional “va’a”, or outrigger canoe, race of more than 100 canoes between the Leeward Islands of Huahine, Raiatea, Tahaa and Bora Bora.
The finish line is foreseen on the beach of Matira Point (Bora Bora).
6TH MONOÏ HERE, WEEK OF MONOI
Nov 15th to 18th
Exposition stands - sales, conferences, massages, demonstrations, film projections, documentaries, etc. at the “Maison de la Culture” Cultural Centre.
"MATĀRI’I I NI’A" FESTIVAL
Nov 20
In Tahiti, Moorea, Huahine and Raiatea.
Day return in abundance under the sign of the constellation Pleiades. A festival focusing on products from the land and sea and activities by men and women.
8TH “HURA TAPAIRU”
Nov 27th to Dec 01st
Traditional dance competition at the Cultural Center “Te Fare Tauhiti Nui” in Papeete.
“MAHANA PAE”
Nov 30
Festive gathering in downtown Papeete, Tahiti, with the themes "Te auhune" (The abundance) and "’Atohei ei faa’una’una" (Flowers and crowns), bringing together visitors and the local population, all in local dress, with a variety of entertainment.
DECEMBER
50TH EDITION OF THE TIARE DAYS
Dec 07
This event - which is focused on the theme: “wreaths and bunches of tiare Tahiti” - is a special tribute to Tahiti’s national emblematic flower, the tiare Tahiti. There will be various events related to the tiare flower, such as competitive decorations in Papeete’s businesses and public institutions.
CHRISTMAS HANDICRAFT EXHIBITION
Dec 17th to 24th
Artisan’s exhibition at the French Polynesia’s Assembly Hall in Taraho’i, Papeete, Tahiti.
CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR’S EVE (St Sylvester) CELEBRATIONS
Hotels and restaurants offer special menus and entertainment both days. Merry Christmas!
Events from earlier in the year
JANUARY
“TERE ‘A’ATI”
Jan 04th, 06th & 11th
Cultural and historical event on Rurutu in the Austral Islands featuring a long walk with stops at ancestral sites (archeological sites and cliffs, etc.), the three villages (Moerai, Avera and Auti) and a visit to various homes where guests receive this island’s traditional greeting, a shower of thrown talcum powder.
3RD PACIFICROCK FESTIVAL
Jan 07th & 08th
With international artistes, especially the American rock star Marco MENDOZA at the Le Meridien Tahiti hotel.
CHARLES BRAVI’S HIGH LEVEL RECITAL
Jan 21st or 28th
At the Pirae’city hall, Tahiti.
CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVITIES
Jan 23rd, 27th & 29th to Feb 03rd
The French Polynesian Chinese community celebrates the beginning of the Year of the Water Dragon. All the cultural and folk wealth of the country will be highlighted during these festivities through especially in dancing, cooking, ancestral arts and rites.
“MAHANA PAE”
Jan 27
Festive gathering in downtown Papeete, Tahiti, with the theme "Tere faati ‘ia ora na i te matahiti api" (New year’ circle island tour), bringing together visitors and the local population, all in local dress, with a variety of entertainment.
JAPAN FESTIVAL
Jan 31st to Feb 03rd
Immersion into the Japanese culture and history at the Cultural Center “Te Fare Tauhiti Nui” and at Papeete town hall.
FEBRUARY
9TH FIFO -PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL TAHITI
Feb 06th to 12th
Documentary film showings, Pacific television conference, digital encounters and round table discussions, international pitch, workshops for amateurs and professionals, “Short film night” at the Cultural Center “Te Fare Tauhiti Nui”.
11TH ANNUAL POLYNESIAN ART JEWELRY SALON
Feb 10th to 14th
Exhibition-sale of Polynesian art jewelry: sets, chokers, earrings, etc., under the marquee of the former presidency, Broche district in Papeete.
YOUNG TALENTS AND ST VALENTIN’S CLASSICAL CONCERT
Feb 11th
At the Radisson Plaza Resort Tahiti hotel, Arue.
24TH TAHITI - MOOREA MARATHON
Feb 18
Experts consider this marathon, which is held in Temae on the island of Moorea, as one of the finest in the world with over 500 entrants from many countries. First Aid, refreshment and sponge stations located every 2.5 km and Tahitian music will be provided along the different ways (42, 21 and 5 km), and at the finish line. This event also offers participants and the public the opportunity to enjoy the island’s exceptional setting.
5TH TAHITI FESTIVAL GUITARE
Feb 23rd to 25th
Encounter of all the guitar fans and professionals as well as the curious at the Le Meridien Tahiti hotel. Some of the world’s leading guitarists as well as experienced local guitarists will perform during these three nights.
“MAHANA PAE”
Feb 24
Festive gathering in downtown Papeete, Tahiti, with the theme "Te Penu e te ‘Umete" (Traditionnal pestle and container), bringing together visitors and the local population, all in local dress, with a variety of entertainment.
MARCH
THE COMING OF THE GOSPEL
Mar 05
Commemorative celebration of the 215th anniversary arrival in Matavai - Tahiti, of the first English Protestant missionaries.
SENIOR POLYNESIANS CHAMPIONSHIP
Mar 18
Golf competition on Temae golf course in Moorea.
“MAHANA PAE”
Mar 30
Festive gathering in downtown Papeete, Tahiti, with the theme "‘Aru’i ‘Ihitai i Papeete" (The nautical night), bringing together visitors and the local population, all in local dress, with a variety of entertainment.
TAHITIAN INTERNATIONAL BILLFISH TOURNAMENT - TIBT
In Tahiti (Taina Marina, Punaauia), international deep-sea fishing competition preceding that of Raiatea.
APRIL
3RD RAID “VANIRA”
Apr 07
On Tahaa (Leeward Islands), a 15-km foot race in the nature.
Departure from Tapuamu, arrival at Patio with musical entertainment, fruit tasting, and several stands of handicraft, catering and vanilla products.
“MAHANA PAE”
Apr 27
Festive gathering in downtown Papeete, Tahiti, with the theme "Te Mono’i" (The Monoi), bringing together visitors and the local population, all in local dress, with a variety of entertainment. |
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 16/05/2012 12:01:01 p.m.
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