Hear the Language of Tahiti at Heiva

In Tahiti, dance is as embedded in the culture as language. And in some ways the swaying hips, elaborate headdress, thumping drums and plucking ukulele help bridge the gaps between words. Case and point is Heiva i Tahiti, French Polynesia’s biggest celebration.

The great thing about Heiva (whether you experience it on the main stage in Pape’ete or on Bora Bora as above) is that it’s really an islander’s event. As a traveler, you’ll feel like a welcome guest — but an outsider none-the-less, and in the best possible way. Heiva is a wonderful chance to become privy to a side of island life that may not be on display at your resort. Food stalls peddle Polynesian BBQ; families arrange mats around the stage to reserve their seats; children dress in their own dance-troupe garb and immitate the stars of the show; and the dancers — well, you kind of have to see it to appreciate it. The performance I saw included at least 100 dancers, a live band and 45 minutes of joyful, spirited movement. I didn’t recognize a single word that was being sung, shouted or cheered, but I understood it all.

Heiva i Tahiti begins in late June and lasts most of the month of July to coincide with the islands’ Bastille Day on July 15. If you happen to be in the islands during that time, ask your concierge for a show schedule and information about tickets. For more information, find out how to Plan Your Trip to Bora Bora.

Have you been to Heiva i Tahiti? Share your experience in the comments.

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