Papeete, the capital city of Tahiti and Her Islands, celebrated its 119th anniversary from May 18 to 23, with several cultural events scheduled over the five-day period. Guided walks were led by a botanist and historian to visit the public buildings, view churches, government offices and monuments, and to stroll through the tree-shaded parks and gardens of Papeete.
These promenades were designed to educate locals as well as tourists as they learned about the key moments of Tahiti's colorful past. A conference was held in the Papeete Mairie (City Hall) to discuss the street names, each of which has an interesting story to be heard.
Papeete's Mayor Michel Buillard, along with a few of his assistants and Toahere Richmond, who was Miss Papeete 2006 and Miss Tahiti 2007, blew out the 119 candles decorating a huge cake baked in honor of this occasion. The finale of the anniversary celebration was the election of Miss Papeete 2009, the city's first beauty queen chosen in three years.
In honor of Papeete's 119th anniversary,......
