Festivals in Tahiti

About Festivals

Surprisingly for a country whose population is so keen on having fun, Tahiti does not have many colorful festivals. Because of the far-reaching influence of the Evangelical Church, religious celebrations are marked with sobriety, and do not give rise to the carnivalesque festivities common on other islands.

The most remarkable festival is a political one, Heivai Tahiti, which marks the country's accession to internal autonomy. The most popular activities during Heiva i Tahiti are the competitions of traditional and modern sports, dancing, and himene.

Tahiti has the same public holidays as France, but festivals include those of the other segments of the population, such as Chinese New Year and Tiare Tahiti Day, which honors Tahiti's national flower.