Special Events

Calendar of events

2009

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HEIVA I TAHITI
- The largest gathering of choral and dance groups takes place at To’ata Square in downtown Papeete in Tahiti. However, in recent years the Heiva is also celebrated in other towns on the island (Mahina, Papara) and on some Leeward Islands (Bora Bora, Raiatea).
HEIVA OF THE ARTISANS
- A big crafts exhibition based around the theme of Polynesian legends that brings together all the artists from the four corners of French Polynesia. These men and women of amazing manual dexterity display their works of art for your viewing and tasting pleasure. In doing so, they stimulate future generations to take an active interest in developing these skills. A fine cultural mix revealing both the identity of the whole nation and their pride in it.
TAHITI TOURISME CUP 2nd EDITION (7th July)
- International regatta from Raiatea (Uturoa wharf) to Taha’a (Apooiti marina) in the morning. The afternoon is devoted to a small trade fair of the islands’ sea and land activities, with va’a (outrigger canoe) initiation followed by a symbolic canoe race between regatta entrants.
FRIENDSHIP TOUR (7th - 14th July)
- Cycling race on Tahiti and Moorea, for professionals and amateurs from various Pacific rim countries (Chili, Argentina, Australia, New Caledonia, New Zealand…).
TE AITO (mid-July)
- One-day individual outrigger canoe race over appr. 10 km. The best 100 rowers qualify for the « Super Aito » race.

TE VAI ARI’I MARATHON OR « SUPER AITO » (mid-August)
- Three-day individual outrigger canoe race featuring the best hundred rowers of the moment and of the “Te Aito” race, over distances of 5, 10, 15 and 20 km.

TAAPUNA MASTER SURFING (1st - 23rd September).
- 6 days surf amateur competition Taapuna pass (Punaauia), featuring several disciplines and categories, weather permitting.
RAID PAINAPO 6th EDITION (23th September)
- Three-people-teams competition on Moorea.
- This event is placed under the sign of discovery and environmental preservation.
TAAPUNA PRO/AM SURFING 5th EDITION
- Surf competition in Taapuna pass, with the best amateur and professional surfers and body-boarders.
WORLD TOURISM DAY (27th September)
- In Tahiti and her Islands, this year’s focus will be on “Tourism, an open door for women”.

ROTUI’S TOUR 6th EDITION (27th October)
- Foot race around the Rotui’s mount (Moorea) of 15 km.
HAWAIKI NUI VA’A (31st October - 2nd November)
- In the Leeward Islands. Va’a (canoe racing) is the classic, traditional sport.
- Over 100 canoes will race between the islands of Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a and Bora Bora. Finishing point at Matira Point (Bora Bora).
EXHIBITION : “THE AUSTRAL ARCHIPELAGO”
- At Fare Manihini, Papeete, Tahiti.
  Discover the many faces of the Austral Islands.

TATTOONESIA (06th - 11th Novembe)
- In Tahiti, a meeting of all Polynesian and foreign tattoo artists to share with visitors their designs, techniques and materials used in this ancestral art form.
TAHITI TOURISME AITO PA’E (17th - 18th November)
- Traditional “pentathlon” for athletes of the five archipelagos, with the support of the traditional Sports Federation.
EXHIBITION : “TATTOO”
- At Fare Manihini, Papeete, Tahiti.
- This exhibition is a natural partner of this month’s main event, “Tattoonesia”.

ROTUI GREEN TRIATHLON 5th EDITION (1st December)
- On Moorea, trials organized in 3 disciplines: swimming (400 or 800 m), cycling (8 or 20 km) and running (4 or 6km).
MARQUESAS ARTS FESTIVAL (17th - 20th December)
- Marquesan arts and culture converge for a few days on the island of Ua Pou in the Marquesas archipelago.
EXHIBITION : « IN GAUGUIN’S FOOTSTEPS »
- At Fare Manihini, Papeete, Tahiti.
- This exhibition retraces the life of the illustrious painter, whose name is now etched in Polynesian history, in colonial Tahiti and her islands,
CHRISTMAS AND ST SYLVESTER CELEBRATIONS
- Throughout Tahiti and her Islands.