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I. THE ORIGINS OF HEIVA
hei meaning to assemble, va meaning community places
II. WHERE DOES IT TAKE PLACE
main square of Vaitape at Place Tu Vavau
III. ACTIVITIES DURING FESTIVAL
Heive Festival is one of the most renowned festivals that take place in different locations all over French Polynesia. One of the most prominent ones is in Bora Bora where people from all over the world come to experience this marvelous event that goes on for almost a month. This event exudes the rich culture of the entire county and dives into a colorful display of a multitude of activities every day.
Dances, music,costumes, SPORTS, Himene and Otea
IV. THE AMBIANCE OF THE HEIVA
surrounded by the locally-styled wooden and bamboo structure
HEIVA I BORA BORA
TRADITIONAL POLYNESIAN CULTURAL FESTIVAL
THE HEIVA I BORA BORA BRINGS TOGETHER THE SIX DISTRICTS NUNUE, TIIPOTO, AMANAHUNE, ANAU, FAANUI AND HITIA
WHERE DOES IT TAKE PLACE
THE ORIGINS OF HEIVA
MAIN SQUARE OF VAITAPE AT PLACE TU VAVAU
HEI MEANING TO ASSEMBLE, VA MEANING COMMUNITY PLACES
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The Heiva festival in Bora Bora takes place in Vaitape. This event showcases the culture of Tahiti and mimics all the activities that take place there. Days are filled with numerous activities such as singing, dancing, and playing various games. This destination is home to various places for the accommodation of people coming from all over the world to be a part of this festival. From hotels to various resorts, Bora Bora offers visitors ample space so that they can be a part of the rich culture of French Polynesia.
The essence of the event comes from the name itself as Heive means to assemble. Therefore people from all over the world come to witness French Polynesia at its best and truest forms. It emphasizes on the rich heritage of the Polynesian culture with the different activities planned. From dancing and singing to other ceremonial performances, this festival is full of fun and showcasing the culture of French Polynesia.
ACTIVITIES
MUSIC / DANCE / SPORT / GAMES
The Heiva festival holds a multitude of activities throughout the time that it lasts. These consist of a variety of competitions that include music, dancing, sports, and many different games. Various ceremonial performances are also a part of this event. These are important to the Tahitian culture and focus on showcasing the past mysteries to the audience.
HEIVA I BORA BORA // 2020
OPENING OF THE EVENT
LOCATION:
Bora Bora / French Polynesia
DANCES & MUSIC
TUARO MAOHI
HIMENE AND OTEA
When it comes to sports competitions, Va’a and Porteurs de fruits take the cake as they are the most fun and exciting activities of the event. Va’a is a canoeing competition of varying lengths that a lot of participants take part in, whereas Porteurs de fruits is a fruit carrying competition where participants compete with each other. Another one of the most renowned sports played during the Heiva I Bora Bora is the Patia Fa.
There is an array of spectacular dance performances on cultural music where people are dressed up in traditional costumes. Participants practice for months before the Heiva takes place to perfect their performances. Spectators coming from all over the world rejoice this occurrence and can be seen singing and dancing themselves as well.
Himene refers to ancient songs and chants that are sung in the loudest voices by the people taking part in the event. It is one of the most renowned aspects of the entire event and you can hear the native Polynesian songs being sung and people enjoying their time listening to these. Along with singing, you will find people dressed up in festive clothing and doing the authentic Tahitian dance that is known as Otea.
Different districts compete with each other when it comes to dance performances including Amanahune, Faanui, Nunue, Tiipoto, Anau, and Hitia. So according to the calendar, they all have separate days on when they perform their dances (Otea) and songs (Himene).
THE AMBIANCE OF THE HEIVA I BORA BORA
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As you step into the area where the Heiva takes place, you will find yourself surrounded by the locally-styled wooden and bamboo structure. This accompanied by the white sand and beautiful lighting, you will find yourself falling in love with the entire design. The ambiance gives you the authentic Tahitian culture vibes and makes you visualize how people of French Polynesia lived in the past.
Heiva i Bora Bora is one of the most popular events and is considered to be the best right after the one that takes place in Papeete. With a setup on a big stage near the quay, this event is looked forward to and anticipated by many people from different locations. The fun activities that it brings to the table are quite exhilarating and make the people participating along with spectators spend their time in a great way. With the focus on French Polynesia’s rich culture, this event is not only fun but can also be informative for those attending it!
