Heiva 2016 Highlights from Tahiti

Listed as one of the worlds best festivals on the Fest300 site, Heiva i Tahiti is an iconic event and now in its 135th year.

Heiva comes from the words 'Hei' - to assemble & 'va' - community places, so it relates to anything from sports to music, singing & dancing which have always been essential to Polynesian culture and celebrates these traditional activities in a festival setting ..... it doesn't hurt that the location is on a stunning tropical island.

The main drawcard of Heiva is the traditional dance.  The dance competitions are some of the most important events in Heiva with dancers preparing & training for them months in advance.  43 singers & dance groups from different categories battle it out over 2 weeks with music, choreography & costumes based on historical or legendary themes and uniquely created for each Heiva.

Heiva is also a showcase for sports competitions and games & focuses on traditional & ancient activities like stone lifting competitions, javelin throwing, outrigger canoe races, fruit carrying races & palm tree climbing.  

It's a festival for the whole family with something for everyone.

Traditional Sports Competitions - Fruit Carrying race

The ladies get involved too! 

Keep an eye out for more stories, coming soon to the Coconet!