Culture

The culture heritage of the people of Tahiti, known as the Ma'ohi goes back to its history, which in turn gave birth to a variety of religious ceremonies and celebrations on the ‘marae' the platform for outdoor ceremonies. The tradition of tattoos has been noticed in Tahiti since the European navigators returned to the island in the 18th century. Although, the missionaries prohibited the practice, it still survived to resurface with the passage of time. This tattoo also serves as a means to assert the cultural identity of the Ma'ohi people. Also, mostly the tattoos have a significant symbolic meaning attached to their various shapes and designs. The typical Polynesian dance is an added attraction to the cultural heritage of the Tahiti people apart from the tattoos. This dance was considered to be too erotic by the missionaries, as it consisted of various body movements, colorful costumes and beautiful ornaments. Some of the dance troupes even visit International destinations. Certain typical dishes of Tahiti include Salade Nicoise made with tuna, olives, green beans and potatoes, chicken fafa, where the chicken is simmered with taro leaves and coconut milk and Ma'oa & Pahua Taioro, consisting of snails and clams in coconut seawater sauce.

A. Music

Music and Dance has always been associated with the social and traditional life of Tahiti. Dances in Tahiti are performed not just for the joy that it provides but also to welcome guests, worship gods, challenge opponents, announce victories and participate in the various ceremonies on the marae. The traditional dance for men is called the ‘otea' while the customary ‘upa upa' was performed by couples. The ‘arioi' in the early days were equivalent to what we understand as professional troupes now.

The basic musical instruments used in Tahiti are a variety of percussion instruments including a couple of wind instruments. It is believed that the widely used stringed instruments may have reached the island as a result of the Spanish presence in the 17th century. Drums also play an important part in the music of Tahiti and are known as ‘pahu'. They are made of tree trunks and come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Also important is the typical Polynesian dance that has always been an essential element of the Ma'ohi culture.

B. Language

The official language of Tahiti is French. However, the local people also speak Tahitian including English, which is used in the tourist areas and is fairly understood by the locals. Nevertheless, the local people would definitely appreciate your attempts to speak Tahitian or French. The Tahitian Ma'ohi is very similar to Maori and thus, people who are able to speak the latter would find it easier to associate with the former.

C. Religious Practices

Religion plays a significant role in the daily life of Tahiti with the rural areas even reserving a particular day for worshipping. The Protestant population of the island comprises almost half of the total population with 37% Catholics, 16% other Christian sects and rest belonging to other religions such as Buddhism. Captivating church services with choir performances mark the predominance of religion on the social and personal lives of the people. One of the most typical religious practices seen in Tahiti is the ‘Sunday Best' that is observed by women wearing long and flowing white dresses with hats of different shapes and sizes as accessories. The Taunoa or the Paofai churches in Papeete are some of the places that are definitely worth a visit to have a glimpse of the evangelical religious customs held on a Sunday morning.

D. Major Events

New Year's Day

The island of Tahiti celebrates the arrival of the New Year with people organizing children's games and driving around town, paying visits to close relatives and friends.

New Year ‘Kaina' Island Tour

The Tourism Office celebrates the first Sunday of the New Year by organizing a guided tour of the island. The tour is accompanied by a number of interesting activities such as games, music, dances, sports, traditional animations and songs.

Tahiti Nui Marathon

The Tahiti Nui Marathon is a major event wherein participants run on this flat course along the clear blue lagoon. Tropical fruits, water and other aids are provided on the way and once the runner crosses the finishing line at the Temae Beach, he is greeted with a floral wreath and shell medal. The festival is held during the month of February.

Austral Inter-Island Games

The Austral Inter-Island Games continue for a whole week on the Rurutu Island that brings together almost 400 athletes from all over the Austral archipelego. These series of games take place in the month of March.

Heineken Kayak Contest

Split into two parts the first lap of this competition races over a 35km stretch between Tahiti and its sister island, while the second lap is stretched over a distance of 45km between Huahine and Raiatea. The winners of these two contests would then become the part of the top French Polynesian Team representing the national team in various international competitions. The event is held in April.

Billabong Tahiti Pro Surfing Tournament

This event is hosted by the Teahupoo village in the month of May where the local surfers are invited to compete with world famous surfers. Here, the surfers experience some of the largest reef waves in the world, which have been named ‘Jaws of Water' owing to their size.

Heiva of Arts & Crafts

The Heiva Nui event lasts for the entire month of July, welcoming artists from all over the French Polynesia. The works of these artists are exhibited and sold at the Aorai Tini Hau Exposition Hall in the Pirae district of Tahiti. Workshops and demonstrations are also a part of this event wherein the artists display their skills of weaving, patchwork (tifaifai) and carving.

Day of the ‘Tipanie' Flower (Tahiti)

Celebrated in the month of November, the event is marked by decorating the buildings with this particular flower. Grand dinners with people decked up in their traditional ‘Mama Ru'au' dress, are followed by most beautiful flower contests.

Pineapple Festival

The official symbol of Moorea, the sister island of Tahiti, is pineapple. The event is celebrated by the Tourism committee of Moorea, which organizes fruit tasting and other various shows that are centered on the theme of the fruit.

E. Etiquettes / Do's & Don'ts

Do's

- Always maintain social courtesy and decent behavior.

- It would be good to wear surf shoes at the time of swimming but try and avoid stepping on the coral.

- Gather some information about the local customs and traditions of Tahiti prior to your trip.

- You may try out the local beer and sorbet.

Don'ts

- It is not advisable to wear short dresses and bathing suits in Tahiti.

- Do not import fruits, weapons, plants, drugs and ammunitions.

- Do not use sun blocks while snorkeling. It washes off from your skin and kills the corals.

- It is advisable to drink only bottled water.

- Do not forget to carry your credit card while going out in Tahiti.