Events & Festivals

Travelling to French Polynesia in July means discovering Heiva i Tahiti, the most vibrant cultural festival in the Pacific. Legendary dances, sacred rituals such as the Umu Ti, hymns (traditional songs), ancestral sports and exquisite craftsmanship reveal the spiritual and aesthetic strength of the Ma'ohi people. More than just an event, the Heiva is a living celebration of mana, that energy that unites tradition, art and Polynesian pride.

Every southern winter, orange carriers climb the mountain trails of Tahiti on foot to gather wild fruit and pay homage to their roots. This unique tradition, celebrated during the Orange Festival in Punaauia, represents a deep connection between culture, physical effort and spiritual connection to the land. A living legacy that invites you to discover the island from within, beyond its beaches.

Every two years, the Marquesas Islands celebrate Matavaa or te Henua Enana, a traveling cultural festival that honors the ancestral soul of Polynesia. In a majestic setting off the beaten tourist track, mythical dances, ritual tattoos, songs, crafts, and traditional sports revive the Ma'ohi identity with emotion and pride. More than an event, it is a collective ritual that connects artists, travelers, and communities in an encounter of beauty and truth.

Long before it became a global sport, surfing originated in Tahiti as a sacred practice. Linked to mana and the Polynesian worldview, it was an intimate ritual of connection with the ocean. Banned during colonization, it has now resurfaced as a symbol of identity. Teahupo’o, a legendary and sacred wave, embodies this living heritage, also celebrated at the 2024 Olympic Games.

Traveling to French Polynesia is treating yourself to an intimate encounter with nature, culture, and pure luxury. However, to fully enjoy this experience, it is essential to choose the right time of year. The islands, bathed by the sun and the ocean, have a climatic and cultural calendar that directly influences the traveler's experience. Understanding these seasons will allow you to enjoy an even more magical stay.

Navigating without compasses or maps, guided solely by the stars and the ocean—that’s how the ancient Polynesians sailed across thousands of islands for centuries. Today, this tradition lives on in French Polynesia through wayfinding, an ancestral navigation practice that blends astronomy, ocean reading, and a spiritual connection with nature. More than just a technique, it’s a philosophy and a cultural legacy experiencing a vibrant revival.