January

• January 1st - New Year's Day:
  (All islands, annual) - The long-standing tradition is to spend New Year's Day driving around the islands visiting friends and relatives. Children's games are held in town on most islands.
  
  
• January 6th:
  (Tahiti, annual) - The "Te Rooooo!" (meaning, "forward!") tour of the island of Tahiti - This traditional tour of the island brings together all those wishing to participate in the tradition of wishing a Happy New Year to all the people of the various districts of Tahiti. This year, the organizers adopted the slogan "Te Rooooo!" (forward!). This is an annual event bringing more and more participants every year. "Le Trucks" are rented for the happy occasion, which is highlighted with a great tamaaraa on the Peninsula.
  
  
• January 30 - February 3rd (Papeete, Tahiti): International Oceanian Documentary Film Festival:
  (Tahiti, annual) - The fourth edition of this international film festival (FIFO Tahiti) to be held at the Maison de la Culture in Papeete. The event is open to all those who made documentaries dealing with Oceania between 2003 and 2006. For the public, this is an enlightening discovery, sometimes astonishing, often surprising, featuring the people, traditions, history, and culture of Oceania.

February

• February 10th - Tahiti Moorea Marathon:
  (Moorea, annual) - This marathon has existed since 1988. By becoming international, it now welcomes famous sports persons which come to enjoy the very special race in a heavenly setting. This major running event has decided to increase its promotion abroad so that marathon runners worldwide may enjoy running across magnificent Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay, which give this race such a special taste. 3 races and a family run proposed: 42 KM, 21 KM, 5 KM, Family Run. For more information and registration, visit Tahiti Nui Marathon.
  
  
• February 11th - Tere fa'ati:
  (Moorea, annual) - Moorea's first "Tere fa'ati" is the islands own version of the big one on Tahiti. It's a friendly tour of the Moorea island with the idea of meeting the locals... This carefree day the wonderful island people will wait in front of their houses for the visitors and give them flower leis, good fruits to eat, maybe treat them to the sounds of the ukulele, and lots and lots of smiles - just like the old days in the islands.
  
  
• February 14th - St. Valentine's Day:
  (All islands, annual) - What better place to celebrate St. Valentine's Day than the "Island of Love"? This world-famous holiday is celebrated throughout Tahiti and her islands. Visitors will find entertainment in the streets of Papeete and various other locales.
  
  
• Mid-February - Jet Pacifique World Cup:
  (Mahina, Moorea) - An off-shore race between Tahiti and Moorea. Exact dates to be announced. For more information and details, visit www.tahitijetclub.pf
  
  
• Second half of February - Exhibition about Modern day Polynesia:
  (Tahiti) - An exhibition in Fare Manihini, focusing on the idea of modern life in the Polynesian islands, juxtaposed with ancient customs of the past, with many continuing today... A complete overview of present trends and of the sincere respect that Polynesians attach to their culture.
  
  
• Around February 18th: Chinese New Year Celebrations:
  (All islands, annual) - The Chinese community of Tahiti celebrates the New Year on the date given by the Chinese horoscope for that particular year. This year, its the year of the pig. Ceremonies are planned in Papeete's City Hall and in many other places in Tahiti, including a large party in Uturoa, Raiatea. The program and festivities begin with an official opening ceremony at the Town Hall of Papeete, and many other places in Tahiti, including a good sized party in Raiatea. This is followed by a Grand Ball in the evening, followed by a few days of various cultural events organized by the community. Discover the magic of Chinese folk culture; song, dance, martial and calligraphic arts, cooking demonstrations, and a dazzling light parade among others.
  
  
• End of February - Tahiti Nui Triathlon:
  (Moorea) - This athletic competition takes place on the island of Moorea. Scheduled are swimming, biking, and running for experienced athletes. This race is a highlight of the Triathlon's world circuit for several years, with a large number of foreign participants. For more information and details, email here, or try the website: www.sjs.pf
  
  
• End of February - Reggae "Sunsplash" Music Festival (4th Edition):
  (Multiple islands, annual) - The beat goes on... with the Reggae Sunsplash festival in the Tahitian islands... This is the Tahitian version of the continuing and now quite famous reggae celebration that used used to take place in Kingston, Jamaica. (in 1979, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Third World or Burning Spear participated there).Since discontinued in Jamaica, this awesome festival lives on throughout the world in various places, where fantastic talents showcase their musical arts to the happy dancing thrills of the raggae faithful...More than 15,000 Tahitian spectators showed up last year- and success is again ensured under the bright sun of the islands. Exact dates and locations to be announced.
  
  
  

March

• March 4th- 10th - Tahitian International Billfish Tournament:
  (Raiatea, annual) - This big deep sea fishing celebration takes place in the blue open waters of the Leeward Islands. More than a simple fishing competion and party, this tournament is a true challenge of the spirit, in which all participants engage in, including the sword and other deep sea fishes so highly treasured... The tournament is based on the respect of IGFA's strict rules, which contribute to the protection of the marine environment. These are the best of the best Polynesian and Hawaiian fishermen competing for trophies and cash prizes! For more information, contact Dominique Goche by email here or call (689) 60.05.45.
  
  
• March 5th - Arrival of the Gospel:
  (Venus Point- (Mahina), Tahiti, annual) - A big religious celebration of Polynesia's Protestant community (over 60% of the population) commemorating the arrival of the London Missionary Society's emissaries in 1797 to Venus point on Tahiti's east coast. Since that time, the place has become a legend. Each year, people gather there to celebrate with fervor and joy the wave of christianity that hit Polynesia 210 years ago. A big open air oecumenical service, followed by various religious and social discussions are organized by parishes, in the shade of coconut trees on the beach. Singing and dancing are also scheduled. A big banquet gathering hundreds of guests closes the day's events. (Similar events take place in most Protestant churches in other islands.)
  
  
• March 24th, 25th - Tahiti Taapuna:
  (Tahiti) - Fa'ahe'e tino - Fa'ahe'iri (Tahiti Tourism Body Surfing / Skimboarding) - This is the year's first surfing competition, taking place in the Taapuna pass on Tahiti's west coast. Organized by the Taapuna Surf Club, this competition makes it possible for talented young surfers to show off their skills under the attentive eye of selectioners and recruiters. Places are limited and the competition should be fierce. May the gnarliest ones win!
  
  
• End of March - Exhibition of the Polynesian Marae:
  (Papeete, Tahiti) - Fare Manihini organizes a great exhibition on the Papeete waterfront to examine the status of the famous and enigmatic maraes (archeological sights) of Polynesia. The history of ancient times is examined, with particular focus on the Ma'ohi civilization, which built the hundreds of marae found throughout Tahiti and her islands. Tikis, paepae, and other recently inventoried Polynesian symbols, historical objects, and icons will be displayed in the exhibition.
  
  
  

April

• April 7 - Tahiti's Peninsula Raid:
  (Tautira, Tahiti) - A "raid" through Tahiti's Peninsula is, according to the organizers, an opportunity for all to "clear their head and clean their arteries"'.
  Discover Tautira and its unbelievable scenery, lush greenery and nature, its valleys and rivers. There is very few areas like this on any of the other Tahitian islands.
  
  
• Early April - Canoe races between Tahiti and Moorea:
  This first annual va'a (Polynesian canoe) competition determines the amount of new forces and talent in the sport after the long break since competing last. All eyes will be on the Shell Va'a and Team OPT, last year's two dominant and favorite teams.
  
  
• Mid April - International Beach Volley Tournament:
  (Papeete, Tahiti (To'ata Square) annual) - Following the success of last years tournament, many international volleyball teams promise to return to Tahiti to compete with the best local teams. The tournament takes place in a specially designed white sand court in To'ata square.
  
  
• End of April - "The Polynesians and the Sea - Napuka" Exhibition:
  (Fare Manihini, Papeete, Tahiti) - This fascinating and somewhat large exhibition, along with several "theme based workshops", gives a glimpse of what the Polynesian islands are all about in the modern age- in comparison with the past... The focus is on the Tuamotu archipelago, documenting over 1000 years of ancient arts, fishing, sculpture, and weaving techniques. An enlightening exhibition for those interested in Polynesian traditions and culture.
  
  
• April 23rd- 28th - The Air Tahiti Nui Von Zipper Surfing Trials:
  Tahiti (Teahupoo) - This Polynesian surfing competition takes place on the mythical wave of Teahupoo. Competitors represent the cream of Tahiti's surfing talent. The winners of this tournament then qualify to compete in the famous Billabong Pro surfing tournament, taking place a few weeks later (May) on the same spot against the world's top surfing specialists.

May

May 1st- The "Me" Celebration:
(Tahiti, Australes, etc.) While May 1st is the celebration of labor and workers in many countries (including Tahiti), it is also the occasion to celebrate, not the lily of the valley as in France, but the time of great collections from all Protestant parishes in the islands. Churchgoers gather to help their parishes through the organization of big collections. A big tamaaraa (banquet) with hymns and prayers for the occasion are scheduled in this oecumenical day. This is actually an ancient pagan Ma'ohi custom that has been "kept" by the Protestants, it consists in a celebration of the abundance of crops. Festivities take place in most islands but mostly in the Austral islands and Tahiti.

May 4th- 13th - Billabong Pro Surfing Tournament:
(Teahupoo, Tahiti, annual) - Every year, this big competition brings together the world's best surfers on the mythical wave of Teahupoo. The show is well worth it, even when weather conditions are not the best. The ambiance during two weeks at the "end of the end" of the island has become legendary. For more information and competition exact dates (depending on weather): fedesurf@mail.pf or website: www.surf.pf which is presently under reconstruction.

May 12th - Tea Eco Va'a Race:
(Raiatea-Tahiti): A new competition, which should oppose boats working on various renewable sources of energy between Raiatea and Tahiti, hence the term "Eco". More details in our future newsletters.

First half of May: The "Heiva Upa Rau", the "Grammies" of Polynesian Music:
For over 20 years now, the Polynesians each year select their favorite musicians and singers during a gala night in the Maison de la Culture's grand theater. A major and friendly event for all those wishing to better know the roots of local melodies. Date to be confirmed by Maison de la Culture (Te Fare Tauhiti Nui): www.maisondelaculture.pf

Mid- May - Tahiti Body Boarding Festival:
(Teahupoo, Tahiti) - The flip side of professional surfing also has its champions. in Tahiti, they are many, all these young folks who day after day learn the "wave" on their body board. The competition should take place near Teahupoo after the Billabong Pro, just to keep the rythm. But for now, nothing is official yet. For more information on place and dates: fedesurf@mail.pf or website: www.surf.pf

May 17th- 20th - Tahiti Pearl Regatta:
( Leeward Islands) - Organized in the Leeward Islands by yachting lovers and the Raiatea Yacht Club, the Tahiti Pearl Regatta is a Polynesian event combining regatta and sailing, human encounters and charming discoveries? it has become the annual gathering of sailing afficionados in Tahiti, her islands and all the Pacific. This is already the third edition of this beautiful regatta unlike the others through the Leeward Islands, imagined by a few sailing fans in Polynesia. Success is from now on ensured each year. This time, the organizers expect some thirty crews to compete during several days between Raiatea and Bora Bora, not to forget the stopovers (unforgettable according to the veterans!) in Huahine and Tahaa. Meals, bringues and lodging are included by the organization each night. Email: organisation@tahitipearlregatta.org.pf

May 26th - Moorea Raid (kayaking, running and mountain biking):
(Moorea) - The new edition of a raid, which in just a few years has become a great South Seas classic. For thrill seekers, with idyliic scenery and efforts to be wisely managed depending on the heat and difficulties. In the program, mountain bikes, running of course, a guaranteed thrill for the participants who will compete in breathtaking scenery. Several categories, with various levels of difficulties, are scheduled in order to gather the largest number of participants. For more information, namely the dates: moorea@sis.pf - www.sjs.pf

May 16th: Matarii i raro, the beginning of the new season according to the Mao'hi lunar calendar:
According to ancient Polynesians, life on earth was divided into two well separated periods of about six months each. During the November new moon announcing the rainy season, they entered Mararii i nia, the period of abundance. Various ceremonies and tributes take place for the occasion. Today, it is the beginning of Matarii i raro, the beginning of the second period, the season of harvests and sharing. A large number of events take place throughout the islands to bring back these old times festivities. Linked to the apparition of the Pleiads in the Polynesian skies, this custom lives again since last year for the greatest pleasure of nature lovers. For more information and to find out about the dates, please visit: www.culture.gov.pf

Last week in May - "Ti'i and Tiki" Exhibition:
(Papeete, Tahiti) - Like every month, Fare Manihini schedules a big exhibition. This month, it is dedicated to Tiki, representations of ancient Ma'ohi gods in the form of small statues. This will be the time to raise the big questions about the origin and meaning of this statues found throughout the entire Polynesian triangle, from Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and its famous "Moai" to the corner of New Zealand or Hawaii, where the shape and materials used are slightly different.

June & July

Probably July 7th - Tahiti Tourisme Cup:
(Leeward Islands) - This big international regatta should be held at the end of the month (date to be confirmed) between the Uturoa marina in Raiatea and the Apoiti marina in Taha'a. Sailing fans will be able to express themselves and demonstrate their talents in the morning. The afternoon will be spent discovering the "va'a" in the middle of the Leeward islands. A mini salon about nautical activities in both islands will close the day.

July 7th- 14th - The Tour of Friendship:
(Tahiti) - Like the famous Tour de France, Polynesia also features its own Tour... of of the island on bicycle. This year, it will most likely take place at the same time as its most famous French older "brother", that is during the Heiva. Some New Caledonians, Australians, and other famous foreign bicycle racers will compete with the best Polynesian specailists on the often tough roads around the island. • July 14 - Tahiti (Mahina): Te Aito canoe race For this key race in Polynesia, the one hundred best canoers of our islands get together in the lagoon for a fierce competition. The race is certainly relatively short, about 10Km, but it releases formidable intensity. Spectators gather all along the itinerary to cheer their favorites. And one more time, bets are running high during this competition to determine the "Year's Best Polynesian Canoe Racer".

End of June to July 22, 2007 - Tahiti and Some Islands: Festivities of the 2007 Heiva i Tahiti
Although the final dates have not yet been fixed, the year's biggest festivities will be held as usual from the end of June to the end of July throughout the Polynesian islands. In the program are many sports events (canoe racing, surfing, golf, etc.) but also traditional sports (sailing canoes, spear throwing, fruit carriers races, copra husking competitions, etc.). Culture and traditions are obviously at the center of the festivities with tattooing, weaving, knowledge of local pharmacopia, fire walking or the big historical reenactments on the marae). The prestigious singing and dancing competitions, which bring nearly 10,000 participants all month long as well as canoe races remain the highlights of these festivities. The other islands (namely Moorea, Bora Bora, but also the Austral and the Marquesas islands, will not be left behind. According to their means and wishes, they will feature many events during that period.

July 14th - Bastille Day - A French National Holiday Celebration:
(All islands, annual) - The traditional celebrations of July 14th, the National Holiday for all French people, remain very appreciated by the Polynesians, who go in large numbers to follow the military parade in Papeete's street. A big dancing ball in City Hall's gardens, a place that remains to be confirmed that will be closed during the day.


August

August 11th or 12th - Te Vai Ari'i Marathon (Super Aito):
(Tahiti) - Reserved for the Te Aito race that takes place in July, the Super Aito takes the same ones and starts all over, but on very different distances, 5, 10, 15 and 20 km. Strategies being slightly different in function of the length of the race, some suprises are always expected during this competition which takes place over two days.

The entire month of August - The "Heiva of the Islands":
(All islands, annual) - It is now the turn of the islands, each one in its own way, to celebrate their own Heiva with ostentation and fervor. Each archipelago's specificities reveal major differences, but the magic of the festivities still dominate, namely in the singing and dancing shows. Depending on the archipelagos, sculpture, tattooing, weaving or certain traditional sports are brought back in the spotlight. Hotels also go out of their way to bring to their guests a diversified and colorful range of entertainment related to the festivities.

Second Half of August - Punaauia - Outumaoro: Tahiti's Agriculural Fair:
It has been the tradition for a few years now to schedule this much appreciated event after the July festivities. It is therefore at the end of the month of August that the Agricultural Fair now goes full speed to extend sometimes in September. Agricultors, horticultors and farmers from Tahiti (sometimes from the islands) come to meet the public, in order to better make their lifestyle and their attachment to the land. A complete range of many products specific of Polynesia (roots, manioc, uru, taro, bananas, water melon, pineapple, etc.) not to mention farm animals (sheeps, cows, pigs, horses, plus chickens, ducks and rabbits), who come spend a few days in Outumaoro for the greatest pleasure of both adults and kids. . ...

September

September 1st- 23rd - Taapuna Master Surfing and Taapuna PRO/AM Surfing Tournament:
(Punaauia, Tahiti) - The year's other big surfing competition takes place each year in Punaauia, on Tahiti's west coast in the beautifull pass of Taapuna. The meeting place of the world's best surfers and body boarders, reserved also to amateurs wishing to progress in this sport and get noticed. At the same time, the international meeting reserved to professional surfers, the Taapuna Pro/Am, will ensure the success of this major surfing competition in Tahiti. For more information and to find out about dates, please visit: www.tahiti-tourisme.pf

Mid September - The Ray's Ballet in the Lagoons:
(Moorea, Bora Bora) - This is the time of the year when rays in Polynesian lagoons start their fascinating ballets near the passes. An unfogettable spectacle in the islands, in Moorea or in Bora Bora to start with. Since a few years, it has become much easier to come close to the rays that easily let you pet them.

September 23rd - Moorea: Painapo Raid - 6th edition:
(Moorea) - The new form of this big raid, now famous in the whole world, reserved to high level athletes, whether professional and amateur. Organizers also want to give their event a more familial character, to attract the greatest a "light" competition to attract the greatest number of participants who will be able to compete amid pineapples plantations in the sister island. For more information and to find out about the dates: moorea@sis.pf or visit this website: www.sjs.pf

September 27th - Tahiti and the Islands: World Tourism Day:
(Most islands) - An event that, more than elsewhere, should be celebrated in Tahiti. Just about everywhere in the islands, major folkloric festivities will take place to celebrate a day to remember. With the collaboration of hotels and pensions playing the game throught the organization of shows and various entertainment.


October

October 14th- 26th - 7th TAHITI NUI CUP:
(Tahiti & the Leeward Islands) - The 7th edition of this inter islands regatta that takes place in the Leeward Islands has been rescheduled to a period of the year when the trade winds are more favorable. In October, indeed, the dominating winds blow regularly from the Southeast, offering ideal conditions for sailing between Huahine, Raiatea, Tahaa and Bora Bora. The goal of this regatta is the in-depth discovery of the Leeward Islands. The goal is therefore not only to win on the water, but above all to participate in the spirit of the festivities and the get together that reigns all along this original competition. Many cultural activities are included in the program, as well as relaxing evenings during stopovers. An original way to discover Polynesia through its lagoons.

Mid-October - Papeete, Tahiti: Discovering the Austral Islands In Papeete's Fare Manihini:
a week dedicated to the Austral Islands, one of Polynesia's lesser known islands but still one of the friendliest, will be held in Papeete. The great dexterity of the artisans of Rurutu, Tubuai, Rimatara or Raivavae, even Rapa, while they receive enough subsidies to go to Papeete, under the eyes of public which appreciates more and more this kind of salon-exhibitions. A chance for each one of the archipelagos' admirers to acquire a rare item, which is difficult to obtain without going onsite in these remote islands.

Mid-Octobre - Raiatea or Huahine: Aitoman:
This triathlon of which Polynesians are proud, should take place this year in the islands, around Raiatea or Huahine. Many international participants are expected in this triathlon gathering. A half marathon will also be scheduled for local athletes. For more information and to find out about the dates, please visit www.tahiti-tourisme.pf

Mid October - Tahiti: Tahiti's "Floralies" (Flowers Festival):
The "Floralies" are the occasion each year for plant amateurs to discover thousands of species in a big exhibition bringing together all of Polynesia's flowers and other exotic plants. Other exhibitions-sales tend to take place elsewhere around Papeete and other districts in the island. • End of October 2007 - Papeete: Tahiti's Carnival Cancelled in the past few years, "Tahiti's Carnival" could be again celebrated, as it was before, in the streets of Papeete, namely on the waterfront, for the greatest pleasure of thousands of participants. Dates, theme and precisions to be determined in a few months. For more information, visit the City of Papeete's website or: www.tahiti-tourisme.pf

October 27th - Moorea: Tour of Rotui:
This is a long distance run gathering each year more and more followers. Competitors must run nearly 15Km on trails around Mt. Rotui, one of Moorea's highest mountains, through breathtaking scenery. For amateur and experienced athletes. For more information and to find out about the dates: moorea@sis.pf or website: www.sjs.pf

October 31st - Hawaiki Nui va'a 2007:
(Leeward Islands) - The new edition of this key race in the va'a competitions in Polynesia and in the world. While the Hawaiians tried last year to beat the Polynesian, they failed miserably. Could it be time for revenge? With more 100 canoes elbow to elbow between Huahine, Raietea and Bora Bora and a legendary finish line on the magical beach of Matira, the event will be followed by over 10,000 fans who, for the occasion, take a week long vacation. Broadcast live in 20 countries, this competition is an excellent promotion of our islands abroad. For more information and to find out about the dates: www.tahiti-tourisme.pf Contact: ftvaa@ifrance.com .

November

November 1st - Tahiti and the islands: The "Turamara'a", Communion with the Departed:
Like each year, November 1st is the occasion to honor the dead with fervor. In Polynesia, this a major date for all the faithfuls and especailly for the "matahiapo" (lthe old folks) who come with the family to meditate in cemeteries all over the islands. Thousands of candles are lit at dusk to highlight the graves, freshly cleaned and decorated with flowers. Families thus wake the departed, while hymns are sung in the magic of the tropical night. A moment of great emotion for tourists also who are welcome to take part in this commemoration. One loves to communicate one's devotion near the departed ones.

November 6th- 11th - Tahiti: Tattoonesia:
The new edition of an event that was able to catch the public attention during the two previous editions. The unavoidable get together of fans of tattooing in all of its forms, with demonstrations, competitions and various entertainment all during the week. Japanese, Australians, Americans and others now come to attend or participate in one of the world's major event about tattooing.

November 17th, 18th - Tahiti Tourisme Aito Pa'e:
(Papeete, Tahiti) - This major exhibition dedicated to the evolution of tattooing in all its forms is taking place in Papeete's Fare Manihini. Scheduled at the end of "Tatoonesia", this event should make it possible for the many visitors coming to the international tattooing festival to satisfy their curiosity. This exhibition is the continuity of the month's key event, Tatoonesia.

Mid November- The Green Triathlon:
(Moorea) - This other sport competition reserved for triathlon athletes will take place in Moorea. In the program: swimming, biking and running for experienced participants in this discipline. Two categories are scheduled during the day so amateurs can also run. For more information and to find out about the dates: moorea@sis.pf or website: www.sjs.pf


December

• December 24th & 25th - Christmas in Tahiti and Her Islands:
  (All islands, annual) - Hotels and restaurants throughout the islands offer special menus and entertainment. Sun tanned Santas are everywhere... Merry Christmas!
  
  
• Around December 15th - "In Gauguin's Footsteps" Exhibition:
  (Papeete, Tahiti) - The last exhibition of the year takes place at the Fare Manihini on the Papeete waterfront. It will be dedicated to Tahiti's favorite enigmatic colonial era painter, Paul Gauguin, and the mysteries of his life and fascination with the islands and lifestyle of Polynesia.
  
  
• December 31st- New Year's Eve:
  (All islands, annual) - The biggest New Year's Eve's party in French Polynesia is organized at the end of each year in downtown Papeete. All of Polynesia celebrates this event to some degree. Happy New Year!
  

---