Last week, the biggest cultural event of French Polynesia has started with the Rahiri ceremony. The Rahiri is a traditional step to seal the Peace and Union of the groups in competition. The Government’s vice-president said : « Culture shows us, with the Rahiri, its strength and wisdom, its beauty as well. A beauty and a specificity that the world envies us. Polynesian traditional arts are now practiced on five continents ».
Finally, the Vice-President also wanted to encourage the 29 groups that will be participating in this edition of the Heiva I Tahiti, with a special message for the eight amateur groups registered in the category of dance Hura Ava Tau, a sign that the Polynesian youth is still present at this cultural event, and continues to take up the challenge of Heiva I Tahiti. The Vice-President then thanked all the dancers and singers, as well as the artists and craftsmen who made the costumes and sets, transforming nature into genuine works of art, for their dedication, their work and their self-denial to the service of Polynesian culture.
Yesterday, all the groups were invited to the Rahiri. Last night, there were more colors than usual because the ceremony has innovated and this revised version was applauded by all.
After the traditional ceremony, the first groups of singing and dancing took place. The group Teva i Tai, which competes in Hura tau, has inflamed the public of To’ata. Last of this first evening of the Heiva i Tahiti 2017, Teva i Tai told us the story of Raufau Tumu, the spear of Paitoanuu, warrior of Tautira. Led by Chief Heimona Metua, the 140 dancers thrilled the To’ata scene.
The festivities resume this Friday with the amateur troupe of Ori, Hei here, from Moorea, followed by the songs of Tamarii rapa no Tahiti and its Tarava Tuha’a pae and tamarii Vairao with a Tarava Tahiti. The amateur dancer troupe Hi’o-atea was chosen to close the evening at the end of the week.
Find the Heiva 2017 program here : https://www.heiva.org/en/event/heiva-i-tahiti-2017-en/
