In Tahiti, the island's largest festival, 'Heiva i Tahiti' (hereinafter referred to as 'Heiva'), is held every July. It is a celebration that Tahiti embraces to honor and pass down Polynesian traditions. Throughout the festival, various events, including Polynesian music and sports, take place daily, filling the entire islands of Tahiti with a festive atmosphere.

Among the highlights is the Tahitian dance contest, where numerous teams compete for artistic merit and skill. The competition is divided into several categories, such as solo and group dances, with the finals broadcast on television.

In Tahiti, opportunities to witness Tahitian dance are plentiful. Resort hotels regularly host Tahitian dance shows in their restaurants, but the scale of the dance at 'Heiva' is entirely different. While hotel shows typically feature a few dancers, teams competing at 'Heiva' can comprise up to 100 members!

Performers are divided into dance and vocal sections. The pieces presented feature original stories and music, akin to grand Tahitian original musicals. The stories often draw from ancient Tahitian myths and legends, and are performed in Tahitian. While the content may be challenging for foreigners to grasp, the artistry and power are sure to captivate. The author, completely enthralled, still finds herself watching videos on YouTube from time to time.

If you search for 'Tahiti Heiva,' you'll discover that Japan also hosts Tahitian dance competitions under the name 'Heiva i Tokyo.' Many people in Japan are captivated by Tahitian and Hawaiian dance, and numerous dance fans travel to Tahiti to learn or watch. Some are so enchanted by Tahitian dance, the cheerful spirit of the Tahitian people, and the wild nature that they even relocate!

The Tahitian dance competitions at 'Heiva' take place in venues set up in the city, but this time, I also had the chance to witness ceremonial dances performed at a marae (sacred site) over the weekend. The performance by over 100 artists—dancers, musicians, singers, and orero (cultural ambassadors)—was simply breathtaking. This show was held at a marae on a hill about a 30-minute drive from the center of Tahiti island. As the show concluded, the sun began to set, and the marae was gradually enveloped in the twilight—a divine landscape deeply etched in my memory. It was a spiritual experience.

'Heiva' offers more than just Tahitian dance. Throughout the festival, various events related to Tahitian history and culture are held. This time, I observed spear throwing at coconuts held high, a coconut-husking competition, and a stone-lifting event. All of them were incredibly exciting to watch!

The coconut-husking competition involves rapidly breaking open a tall pile of coconuts one by one with an axe, then husking them by hand, scooping out the flesh with a knife, and finally packing it into a bag. While this might sound like a segment from a variety show, it's a serious competition that requires considerable strength. The Maori men participating were all powerfully built.

The atmosphere was intense, with coconut water and the sweat of the athletes splashing around (laughs). Apparently, Maori men learn how to husk coconuts from childhood.

I was also amazed by the spear throwing at coconuts held high. The competition isn't about distance, but about how many spears successfully pierce the coconuts. Watching numerous people throw spears at the small target of a coconut was surreal. The poor coconuts were gradually covered in spears until there was no space left for them (laughs).

The stone-lifting weightlifting was also incredible! I also heard about competitions like copra gathering, fruit carrying races, and canoe races. Copra gathering... (laughs). I'm curious!

The town buzzes with excitement, and there are countless fascinating events. Immerse yourself in the paradise of Tahiti and experience Polynesian culture in a fun way—a trip to Tahiti during 'Heiva' is highly recommended! ♡

With the cooperation of: Hawaiian Airlines, Tahiti Tourisme