> What's Happening in Tahiti

Last updated June 2009
Current conditions in Tahiti
 

THE MONOI INVASION ...this summer the Monoi Institute with its newly elected President Daniel Langy, Gérant, Parfumerie Tiki has sponsored a new site www.monoiaddict.com.

At this time it is in French only as that it where it has been launched, However, don't let this stop you from checking it out, it transcends to all languages. The site is incredible, fun, amazing and every bit as addictive as MONOI. I guarantee you that you will become a Monoi Addict. Monoi Oils

MONOI HERE 08 ****** 2000 years of benefits ***concentrated in 4 days

- the expression could be translated by “dear Monoi” or “monoi lovely”

It evokes all the emotion felt by the Polynesians’ for this cult product originated in Tahiti and Her Islands. It is also the name chosen by the Monoi Institute for a unique event: the Monoi Festival.

After its first successful edition of Monoi Here in August of 2007 the 2nd edition was held from November 12-15 at the Maison de la Culture in Papeete. With a richer program and a higher audience, 6000 visitors this year, Monoi Here is a confirmed success and has already announced its 3rd edition . November 18 - 21 2009 in Papeete,Tahiti.

The 2nd edition was rich in novelties! This year a space was dedicated to the joys of formulating. For the first time based on the original idea from Le Laboratoire du

Formulateur the public was invited to experience hands on the creation of a cosmetic product. The chosen few were lucky enough to leave with a product formulated by their own hands.

The Monoi Route - a 40km discovery route between Motu uta and Papara had 11 planned stops - Tiare Tahiti fields, refinery, soap factory and cosmetics laboratory.

On one of our trips to Ahe we visited Brothers Pearl farm with Emmanuelle our dear friend and until recently the owner of CocoPerle on Ahe. We were given a more intimate tour of the pearl farm. Sam the owner, walked us through the life a of a Tahitian pearl from its inception. From the process of witnessing a Mississippi river mussel graft from Tennessee be inserted into the giant black lipped oyster to talking to the divers going out to check on the pearls in the lagoon to watching a black lipped oyster be opened and the pearl inside be measured and logged into his daily count. They look exactly like you see them on a ring or pendant when they are taken right from the oyster.

Heading to Tahiti in 2009 you will start the year off with the Chinese New Year in February with the Year of the Ox . Can’t make up your mind which island to go to...we have been to most of the islands in French Polynesia and atolls and so far our all around favorite is Huahine. Keep in mind...there is really no night life in the islands. Nor are there malls or shopping centers...if this is what you are looking for you should probably go elsewhere. Diving, snorkeling , sunbathing, walking , hiking and biking are what should be on you agenda.

TAHITI - a place to escape to, a unique lure to the romantic. Tahiti gets a bad rap from many travel books. “They advise visitors to go straight to Bora Bora or Moorea.,” but they miss out on so much by doing that. We love Papeete, French Polynesia’s laissez-fare capitol, which is often ignored all together. Papeete has one of the finest waterfronts in the South Pacific. Tucked neatly in between a horseshoe bay and the towering peaks of Aorai and Te taraomaiao, it is scenic and vibrant with life, providing an interesting contrast to the luxury resorts with manicured gardens and manufactured beaches. If you decide to stay in downtown Papeete which for us is a must stay at Hotel Tiare Tahiti. The view is gorgeous and it is centrally located to everything . The staff always make us feel at home. We never go Tahiti without staying there for at least 3 or 4 days.

Rebecca and JanAs always I recommend, Jan Prince’s travel book “Tahiti & French Polynesia Guide” now in its fourth edition. In my opinion the best travel guide out there on Tahiti. We have been to French Polynesia many times and I still bring it with me on all of our trips.

On one of our visits to Moorea we met Jan and a Tahitian lady friend of hers at Aito Restaurant on the lagoon side between Cook’s and Opunohu Bay. Jan is quite delightful and has a never-ending amount of stories and adventures of her over 30 years in French Polynesia.

If you are planning a trip this year below is the 2009 Calendar of Events.

Tahiti Manava Visitors Bureau 2009 Calendar of Events

“Heiva I Tahiti is undoubtedly the most famous of all cultural festivals. This big traditional celebration runs for a month and includes the National Holiday of July 14. Events include, best artistic groups with singing, dancing and their fabulous costumes. Sports contest, which include canoe racing, javelin throwing, stone lifting, cobra preparation, etc. The Craft Heiva runs at the same time and all forms of craftworks from the five islands are represented. We have been to both Heiva’s and they are a wonderful representation of these warm loving people and their culture.

JANUARY

New Year's Day, All of French Polynesia celebrates the New Year. The long-standing tradition is to spend New Year's Day driving around the islands visiting friends and relatives. Children's games are held in town on most islands.

New Year "Kaina" Island Tour takes place in Tahiti the first Sunday of the New Year. The Office of Tourism organizes this celebration which features a guided "circle island" tour along with music, songs, games, plays, sports dances and other traditional animation

Ceremony of "Tere". The traditional three-day New Year's festivities celebrated in each village on the island of Rurutu.

First ATP Pacific Tour International Tennis Tournament (Tahiti)

Hinano Surf Tour (Tahiti), end of January



FEBRUARY

St. Valentine's Day, February 14th
This loving feast is celebrated everywhere with special entertainment

Tahiti Nui Marathon (and Tahiti Nui Inline Skate Marathon)
Along this entirely flat course next to a crystal blue lagoon and a rich tropical surrounding on paved circle island roads, water, PowerAde, and tropical fruits will be served to you from dugout canoes, and when you cross the finish line at Temae Beach, the beautiful Tahitian vahines will bestow you with a floral wreath and a shell medal!
For more details, visit Tahiti Nui Marathon.

Chinese New Year -YEAR OF THE OX
The Chinese community of Tahiti celebrates the New Year on the date given by the Chinese horoscope for that particular year. The program and festivities begin with an official opening ceremony at the Town Hall of Papeete. This is followed by a Grand Ball. A cultural day is also organized to discover the magic of Chinese folk culture; song, dance, martial arts and culinary arts.

"Hinano Cup Va'a" pirogue race (Tahiti)

 

MARCH

Arrival of the First Missionaries (Marquesas Islands)
The only annual public holiday honoring the arrival of the first Christian European missionaries over 200 years ago, on March, 5, 1797. Celebrations include re-enactments of the missionaries' arrival.

The Coming of the Gospel
A commemorative celebration of the arrival of the first Protestant missionaries in Tahiti. This year marks the 207th anniversary of the Coming of the Gospel.

Tahitian Cultured Pearl Festival
The Black Pearl Festival will be held in To'ata Square on the waterfront in Papeete Tahiti. See the amazing designs created with these world renown Cultured Pearls.

Raiatea International Billfish Tournament
The rules for this tournament are based on IGFA rules, which help protect deep-sea marine life. The winners of this competition will be rewarded with trophies and cash prizes!

Austral Inter-Island Games
A week-long sporting holiday on the island of Rurutu, bringing together 400 athletes from throughout the Austral archipelago.

4th Annual Leeward Island Games
Competition to be held on the island of Huahine

 

APRIL

Tifaifai Quilting Week. Held on Tahiti at the City Hall of Papeete

Heineken Kayak Contest. This competition is split into two races; the first leg will race over the 35-km stretch between Tahiti and her sister island, the second leg will be over the 45-km stretch between Huahine and Raiatea. These 2 contests are the basis for selection into the top French Polynesian team that will carry the national flag in overseas competition.

Areaarea I Tahiti. The inter-island games held on the island of Tahiti.

The "Me" Ceremony. The Evangelical Church's charity event to fundraise from each parish throughout French Polynesia.

 

MAY

Billabong Tahiti Pro Surfing Tournament. The quiet village of Teahupoo (west coast of Tahiti) will host the event with trials organized from May 1st to May 5th and the main event from May 6th to May 18th. Local surfers will be invited to compete with the best surfers in the world during the trials. Surfers will face one of the most respected reef waves in the world. The size of the waves have earned the site the moniker "Jaws of Water."

Commemoration of the arrival of the " Bounty " (Australs Islands)

Finals of the Arearea I Tahiti Games. Following the elimination trials held in April, the finals of the Arearea I Tahiti games will be held May 1-3

Centennial Commemoration of the Death of Paul Gauguin. Events to be held May 8-10, on the island of Hiva Oa in the Marquesas.

 

JUNE

Heiva I Tahiti (Cultural Heiva). The largest cultural festival in all of Tahiti taking place at beautiful To'ata Square in Papeete, Tahiti. This year's Heiva will feature the biggest-ever assembly of dance troupes. In addition to the dance competitions there are sporting events, cultural demonstrations, cuisine and artisans.

The 4th Tahiti Nui Cup. "The only sailing regatta in the world with more lay days than races". Race among the stunning tropical Islands of Raiatea, Huahine, Taha'a and Bora Bora in Tahiti's Leeward Islands. Enjoy an island hopping festival of traditional food and entertainment and when the parties are over cruise the turquoise waters of the most beautiful lagoons in the world.
For more information: Tahiti Nui Cup

Horue Surf Competition (Tahiti).

Hiva Vae'vae Autonomy Celebration. Located at To'ata Square on the waterfront of Papeete, Tahiti.

 

JULY

Tahiti - Heiva Nui

Heiva of Arts & Crafts
This event will kick off the month-long Heiva Nui. Artists from all over French Polynesia will show and sell their wares at the Aorai Tini Hau Exposition Hall in the district of Pirae in Tahiti. Artists from all archipelagoes will demonstrate their skill at weaving, carving, tifaifai (Tahitian patchwork)... Demonstrations and workshops will be also held

Singing and dancing Festival

Tahiti Nui Games

Canoe Races

Bora Bora - Heiva I Bora Bora

 

AUGUST

International Golf Open. International event at the 18-hole golf course on the main island of Tahiti. The best golfers from the Pacific compete for the prize money.

Night of the Guitar & Ute. In late August, the local musicians descend on Papeete to compete in this contest based on traditional satirical improvisational songs.

Tahiti Agricultural Fair (Tahiti). Agriculture enthusiasts and flower growers join with artisans from throughout Tahiti and Her Islands during this highly-anticipated annual event. A Tahitian village is built for the occasion.

Te Ora e Te Mana. Historical reconstitution at the Marae Arahurahu in Paea on Tahiti.

 

SEPTEMBER

World Tourism Day (Tahiti & Her Islands). Similar to the Heiva, this event celebrates tourism to Tahiti with a range of cultural, artistic, musical, and sporting demonstrations to delight visitors.

Annual Arts & Crafts Exposition of Tahiti-Iti. Held in the small village of Taravao, located at the isthmus of Tahiti and Tahiti-iti.

 

OCTOBER

Super "Aito" Individual Canoe Race (Moorea-Tahiti). The best outrigger canoes compete in this inter-island race in pursuit of the title and the winner's ring.

Aitoman & Half-Aitoman Triathlon in Moorea. Proclaimed the "most exotic long distance triathlon in the world!!!".

Mister Tahiti Contest. Located on the island of Tahiti.

Hawaiki Nui Va'a. International Outrigger Canoe Race from the island of Huahine to Raiatea, Tahaa, and Bora Bora. Over 100 teams from canoeing countries all over the world participate in this grueling open-ocean race.

Carnival de Tahiti. Patterned after Rio's famous Carnival, visitors are encouraged to participate in this joyful celebration, which will have all of Papeete dancing to folkloric, Polynesian and international rhythms. The Parade takes place on the Papeete waterfront, a very colorful affair with around 15,000 participants.

Annual Arts & Crafts Exposition from the Austral Islands. Held at Vaiete Square in Papeete, Tahiti.

 

NOVEMBER

Tahiti Nui Roller Marathon
Located on the peninsula of Tahiti, also known as Tahiti-iti.
International Endurance. Sporting events in the Tuamotu atolls.

All Saint's Day -- "Turamaraa". The Papeete marketplace is transformed into a botanical garden and entertainment center during this poignant celebration. At night, the cemeteries are adorned with candles, as families sing hymns and recite prayers for their dearly departed.

Rugby in Moorea & Tahiti
A rugby "sevens" tournament on a half-field with special Tahitian atmosphere.

Special Austral Islands Festival Day. For a few days, the GIE Tahiti Manava Visitors Bureau offers an overview of the arts and crafts, cultural activities and cooking specialties practiced in the faraway Austral islands located at about 600 kilometers south of Tahiti.

MONOI HERE WEEK - 18TH - 21ST

Day of the "Tipanie" Flower (Tahiti). The frangipani (or plumeria) is celebrated during this festival. For this special event, many buildings are decorated with this flower. A dinner is held during which contests are organized for the most beautiful flower crown and traditional "Mama Ru'au" dress.

"Te Tuhuka O Te Henua Enana" Marquesas Arts & Crafts Exhibit & Sale (Tahiti). In honor of Polynesian traditions, handicraft associations assemble to show their work. The Marquesas are well known for exquisite wood carvings and tapa cloth.

Annual Arts & Crafts Exposition from the Austral Islands. Held at Vaiete Square in Papeete, Tahiti.

Annual Arts & Crafts Exposition from the Marquesas. Held at To'ata Square in Papeete, Tahiti. November 16 - December 1.

Raiatea Quadrathlon

 

DECEMBER

Tiare Days on Tahiti. Tahiti pays tribute to its emblematic flower during this three-day celebration. Many buildings are exceptionally decorated for this event.

Pineapple Festival (Moorea). The pineapple is the official symbol of Tahiti's sister island of Moorea. Moorea's Tourism Committee organizes a day of tastings and a variety of shows, all centered around the theme of the pineapple.

Special Marquesas Island Festival Days (Tahiti). For a few days, the GIE Tahiti Manava Visitors Bureau offers an overview of the arts, crafts, cultural activities and food specialties indigenous to these remote islands located approximately 500 kms North East of Tahiti.

Annual Arts & Crafts Exposition from the Marquesas
Held at To'ata Square in Papeete, Tahiti.

 

We've updated our Photo Gallery and changed the format. We have some great photos of Bora Bora and Fakarava courtesy of our friends Karina and Brian another couple who love Tahiti and Her Isles as much as us.

In a closing note: Parfumerie Tiki’s Monoi and Tamanu products are the Best of Tahiti’s Native secret for beautiful skin. All natural monoi and tamanu, in the creams, oils, lotions and balms. with very little else added. Recently, here in the United States, stores are popping up advertising Monoi Monoi Labeland Tamanu in their products boasting its wonderful blend for hydrating and healing. The name Tahiti on a item itself is wonderful form of marketing yet very little percent of monoi or tamanu is added to these products and the ingredients is lengthy and anything but natural.

At Tahiti-Iti.com our main objective is to bring to the world these wonderful products made simply and as natural as they should be. If you want to experience all the benefits of the Tahitian Vahines secret to beautiful skin and shiny soft hair use the products made in Tahiti at Parfumerie Tiki since 1942. There is no comparison.

Again, as always we thank Parfumerie Tiki for its consistently great product line and all of our many customers worldwide: old and new.

Goodbye…au revoir…nana

Rebecca



Remember...If you Can’t Get to Tahiti…Get to Tahiti-Iti.com

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