Tahiti and her islands calendar of events 2011 - 2012
There is a lot more to Tahiti and her islands than its stunning beaches. As a year round destination, Tahiti and her islands offer an array of interesting events throughout the year from traditional festivals to sporting events to cultural celebrations. With warm temperatures, breathtaking scenery, and a vast heritage of local cultures, visitors will find plenty to keep them occupied in French Polynesia.
World Tourism Day: 27th September 2011
Every year this day is set aside for the people of Tahiti to celebrate International Tourism Day with a series of events designed to welcome visitors to the region. Across Tahiti and her islands there are opportunities to enjoy traditional food, local art, handicraft demonstrations, sports competitions and a range of musical shows.
Tahiti International Golf Open: 10th-14th October 2011
The Olivier Breaud International Golf Course in Atimaono, Papara, is around 50km from Papeete, Tahiti, and it hosts the annual Tahiti International Golf Open. The golf open is a stop on the Pacific Tour organized by the Australian PGA and supported by the Polynesian Golf Federation and is a popular event with keen golfers.
Hawaiki Nui Va’a: 9th, 10th and 11th November 2011
Va'a (canoe racing) is one of the traditional sports of Tahiti. The Hawaiki Nui Va’a is the world’s largest, longest, and most exhilarating international open ocean outrigger canoe event, and is the ultimate test of strength and endurance for six-person crews of both men and women. Over 100 canoes race 72 miles between the islands of Huahine, Raiatea, Taha'a and Bora Bora to the finishing line at Matira Point in Bora Bora. An entourage of avid fans followed by canoes and boats welcome the winners at the finish line. For more information visit: hawaikinuivaa.pf
Marquesas Arts Festival ‘Matavaa o te Henua Enana’: 16th – 18th December 2011
This is a Culture and Arts Festival held on the island of Nuku Hiva in Marquesas. It brings together pacific islands such as New Zealand, New Caledonia, Rapa and Hawaii where costumes and ancestral rites are shared among them. This festival is regarded by Marquesan artists as one of the best opportunities for them to showcase their talent and culture and increase international recognition. For more information visit: tahitinuitravel.biz
FIFO Tahiti 8th Edition: 6th – 12th February 2012
This is the international Oceanian Documentary Film Festival of Tahiti. The festival hosts short film screenings, script writing and shooting workshops at the “Maison de le Culture”. The festival aims to showcase the best of the documentary production of the region. For more information visit: en.fifo-tahiti.com
Stand Up World Tour: May 2012
The Stand Up World Tour was established in 2009 to address the exponential growth in the sport of Stand Up Paddling, and to provide its premier athletes with an international platform on which to compete for the prestigious World Championship Title. Stand Up World Tour shows now reach 220 countries on 170 networks. For more information visit: standupworldtour.com
Tahiti-Moorea Sailing Regatta: 24th – 26th June 2012
This is an interactive event between tourists, sailors and locals. Three days of festivities begin at Papeete Harbour with a sail to Moorea, followed by a variety of local competitions on Tahiti's sister island, such as outrigger canoe races, javelin-throwing, fruit-carrying races, stone lifting and a coconut shredding contest. This is a great opportunity for tourists to meet and mingle with the locals. For more information visit: portdepapeete.pf
Heiv? Va’a i Tahiti and Heiv? i Bora Bora - “The Celebration of Life”: July 2012
In Tahitian, the word Heiv? (‘hei ‘meaning to assemble and ‘va’ meaning community places) refers to activities, pastimes, physical exercise and festivals. Heiv? is the largest annual cultural festival in Tahiti and it takes place at beautiful To'ata Square in Papeete and Moto'i Place in Vaitape, Bora Bora. In addition to the traditional dance and singing competitions Heiv? celebrations also involve cultural demonstrations, cuisine and crafts, and sporting events including a traditional outrigger canoe race through the channel between Tahiti and Moorea. For more information visit: heivanui.com
Billabong Pro Surfing Competition: 20th – 31st August 2012
From May to November, the magnificent waves at Teahupoo attract the more expert surfers as the freshwater flowing from the mountains inhibits coral growth and creates some of the most exhilarating waves in Tahiti. At the end of August each year, the Billabong Pro Surfing competition takes place. This is a key event on the surfing calendar showcasing the best surfing talent from around the world. For more information visit: billabongpro.com
For more information on Tahiti and her islands visit: tahiti-tourisme.co.uk