Heiva in Tahiti 2025

• • • 18:30 p.m. – Presentation of the evening
    • TAPAIRU TAHITI – Hura ava tau
    • TAMARIKI RAPA – Tarava Tuha'a Pae
    • 10 minute break
    • REO PAPARA – Tarava Tahiti
    • HŌ MAI – Hura ava tau

Saturday, July 5

• • • 18:30 p.m. – Presentation of the evening
    • HA'AVAI – Hura ava tau
    • TE MANU Al'A – Tãrava Tahiti
    • 10 minute break
    • NÚNA'A RURUTU – Tarava Tuha'a Pae
    • MANOHIVA – Hura tau

Thursday July 10

• • • 18:30 p.m. – Presentation of the evening
    • 'ATOROIRA' – Hura ava tau
    • MEHAU – Tarava Raromatal
    • 10 minute break
    • HA'AVAI – Tarava Tahiti
    • TAMARIKI POERANI – Hura tau

Friday July 11

• • • 18:30 p.m. – Presentation of the evening
    • TE TA'IMANARAU – Hura ava tau
    • TUPU AU – Tãrava Tuha'a Pae
    • 10 minute break
    • TAMARII MAHINA RAROMATA'I – Tarava Raromata'i
    • TEMAEVA – Hura tau

Saturday, July 12

• • • 18:30 p.m. – Presentation of the evening
    • TAMARII HAUMAIRE – Hura ava tau
    • TAMARI'I TIPAERU'I – Tarava Raromata'i
    • 10 minute break
    • TAMARI'I MATAIEA – Tarava Tahiti
    • TEVA I TAI – Hura tau

Wednesday, July 16

Awards ceremony starting at 18:30 pm

Friday 18 and Saturday 19 July

Catwalk evenings starting at 18pm

Umu tī, fire walking, July 2 at 18 p.m. at Mahana Park

The Umu tī is an ancestral Polynesian ritual also known as fire walking . It marks the beginning of the Heiva i Tahiti festivities and symbolizes the purification of body and mind.

This rite consists of walking barefoot on white-hot volcanic stones in a pit carefully prepared by a tahu'a (Tahitian priest). In the past, this ceremony was linked to food preservation : if the tahu'a crossed the oven without being burned, it was a sign that the gods would guarantee the preservation of food supplies.

Today, the Umu tī remains a spectacular and spiritual event, where participants, after a period of preparation and meditation, face the burning stones under the captivated gaze of the public. I should point out for the brave or daring that they can participate, if they wish, in this invigorating walk…

• • • Meet us on Wednesday, July 2, at 18:00 p.m., at mahana park
    • Prices: 4 Fcfp and 000 Fcfp
    • Tickets on sale at the Maison de la Culture, Grand Théâtre lobby
    • For more information, contact Nini at 87 78 54 75

36th Heiva Rima'ī from June 26 to July 13 in Mamao

The Heiva Rima'ī is a major event dedicated to traditional Polynesian crafts . It takes place every year in Papeete , at the Māma'o Exhibition Park , and brings together artisans from the five archipelagos of French Polynesia.

For this 36th edition , the theme will be “ Te 'una'una o te moana – the beauty of the ocean” . Visitors will be able to discover a rich and varied exhibition and sale , showcasing handcrafted creations such as wood, stone and bone carvings, traditional jewelry, tapa cloth , tīfaifai ( a type of woven cloth), basketry and sewing.

In addition to craft stalls, the Heiva Rima'ī offers workshops, demonstrations, competitions, fashion shows , and musical entertainment . A highlight of the festival is the election of “ Māmā Rima'ī 2025 ,” which will take place on June 28.

This is a great opportunity to celebrate Polynesian craftsmanship and support local artisans.

• • • Free admission
    • Open every day from 9 a.m. to 17 p.m.

The Heiva Va'a Mata'eina'a from July 4 to 14

The Heiva Va'a Mata'eina'a is a traditional outrigger canoe ( va'a ) competition that celebrates both sport and Polynesian culture . This event highlights the ancestral tradition of the va'a, an emblematic boat of French Polynesia.

Every year, hundreds of paddlers, dressed in pareos and flower crowns , participate in spectacular races on the lagoon and on the open sea . The competitions include different categories of outrigger canoes, ranging from V1 (single canoes), V3 and V6 to tauati (double canoes with 12 or 16 paddlers).

The 2025 edition will take place from June 21st to June 28th , with departures planned in Mataiea (Tehoro site) and at Aorai Tini Hau Park . This event is a true celebration of Polynesian identity , attracting both passionate competitors and lovers of local culture.

• • • Friday, July 4th at Aorai Tinihau Park
    • Saturday, July 5 at Aorai Tinihau Park
    • Friday, July 11 in Mataiea (8 a.m.)
    • Saturday, July 12 in Mataiea (8 a.m.)

    • Monday July 14: Super Tauati Memorial E. Maamaatuaiahutapu

The Tu'aro Ma'ohi

Tū'aro Mā'ohi is a collection of traditional Polynesian sports , deeply rooted in Mā'ohi culture. These disciplines, inspired by ancestral practices , highlight the strength, agility , and skill of the participants.

Every year, the Heiva Tū'aro Mā'ohi brings together athletes from all over French Polynesia and the Polynesian Triangle for spectacular competitions. Among the most iconic events are:

• • The coconut tree climber ( Tauma haari ),

  • Stone lifting , where some lift up to 200 kg ,

  • The javelin throw , aiming to plant a javelin in a coconut perched at a height of 9,50 meters ,

  • Fruit-carrying races , where competitors transport impressive loads,

  • Coconut husking and traditional wrestling.

The 2025 edition will take place from June 21st to July 14th , with events organized at Pointe Vénus , Parc Vairai , and on Avenue Pouvanaa'a a Oopa . This is a unique opportunity to discover and celebrate Polynesian traditions through sport!

• • • 21nd June at Pointe Venus: Heiva Va'a Taie
    • 12 et July 13 at Vaira'i Park: traditional land events
    • July 14 Pouvana'a Avenue in Oopa: fruit carrier races

The Tuifara Festival at Marae 'Ārahurahu

The Tuifara Festival is a cultural event that takes place at the Marae 'Ārahurahu , in Paea , from July 12 to 26, 2025. It showcases traditional Polynesian songs and dances , offering an exceptional stage to groups that participated in the Heiva i Tahiti.

Unlike the Heiva, the Tuifara Festival is not a competition, but an artistic celebration where troupes can perform their shows again in a sacred and authentic setting . The experience is often described as magical , as the marae creates a unique connection between the artists and the audience.

The performances will take place over three weekends on Saturdays July 12 , 19 and 26 , and Sundays July 13 and 20.

Each show will begin at 16 p.m. , with a performance of pupu hīmene (traditional songs), followed by a 'ori tahiti (dance) group. Among the expected troupes are Hei Tahiti, Manohiva , Tamariki Poerani , Temaeva , and Teva i Tai.

• • • Saturday, July 12: Hei Tahiti & Reo Papara
    • Sunday July 13: Manohiva & Tamari'i Tipaerui
    • Saturday July 19: Tamariki Poerani & Tamariki Rapa
    • Sunday, July 20: Teva i Tai and Tamari'i Mahina
    • Saturday, July 26: Temaeva and Tamari'i Mataiea

The 6th Nu'uroa Fest', the Heiva plays overtime on August 2nd from 13:30 p.m.

The Nu'uroa Fest' is a cultural event that extends the magic of the Heiva i Tahiti . It will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025 in the Gardens of the Museum of Tahiti and the Islands , in Punaauia.

This festival offers a final stage to the 'ori tahiti groups who did not win prizes at the Heiva i Tahiti. They perform their choreographies outdoors , in an enchanting natural setting, allowing the public to relive the intensity of the Heiva in a more intimate and family atmosphere.

In addition to dance and song performances, the Nu'uroa Fest' offers:

• • Craft workshops and demonstrations of local know-how,

  • Food stalls offering traditional dishes such as raw fish in coconut milk and ma'a Tahiti ,

  • Children's areas with traditional games and creative workshops.

The event is free and designed to bring together all generations . It showcases Polynesian artists and craftspeople while making culture accessible to everyone. However, even though entry is free , tickets must be purchased at the cultural center's ticket office. They will be available from July 23rd.

Ultimately