Festivals and Events in French Polynesia

Located in the center of the South Pacific Ocean, Tahitian Islands are among the most beautiful in the world. Tahitian Islands, otherwise known as French Polynesia, is made up of about 118 islands and atolls spread across five archipelagos such as the Society Islands, Austral Islands, Gambier Islands, Marquesas Islands, and Tuamotu Islands.

Bestowed with the titles, 'the Queen of the Pacific' and 'the Island of Love,' Tahiti, in the Society Archipelago's Leeward group, is the largest and the main island in French Polynesia. Equally fabulous are such island destinations in French Polynesia as Bora Bora, Moorea, famed for its Tiki Village, Huahine, Raiatea, and Taha'a.

Each of the 118 islands in French Polynesia is noted for its unique landscape with beautiful flower-strewn valleys, gorgeous lagoons, deserted beaches, incredible coves and bays, and much more. In short, with a delightful array of natural wonders and man-made attractions, Tahiti and its sister islands are truly a haven for sightseers.

Just few among many of the attractions in the destination are the Harrison W Smith Botanical Garden, the Maraa Fern Grotto, Pearl Museum, and Bougainville Park. Visitors to French Polynesia could also engage in a number of adventure as well as leisurely activities such as swimming, diving, game fishing, wind-surfing, water skiing, outrigger canoeing, hiking, horseback riding, and 4X4 safari tours.

Apart from being a paradise for sightseeing as well as enjoying a number of water and land-based activities, Tahitian Islands are also much famed for its different types of festivals and events, which among many others, are the Chinese New Year, which falls every year between late January and mid February and whose focal point is traditional dance shows and martial arts display.

Moorea Marathon, falling every year in February; Tahiti International Golf Open, a four-day championship event that is held in every June; Heiva i Tahiti, which is perhaps the most significant among the festivals of French Polynesia; the Annual Flower Show, that is held in the Bougainville Park in Pepeete in September; and Stone Fishing Contest, a traditional event that take place in every year in October in Bora Bora.

Along with these festivals and events, also a much favored event in French Polynesia is Hawaiiki Nui Va'a, which is the most prestigious sporting event in French Polynesia, and one of the most extravagant open sea contests in the world. It is a three-day event, and is mostly held annually during late October or November.

It is estimated that more than 100 traditional canoes are taken to the water for the race from the magnificent island of Huahine to the romantic island of Bora Bora. Va'a is the Tahitian name given for outrigger canoes. During the race, overall kilometers of 78 miles or 130 kilometers must be covered and that too in three phases: from Huahine to Raiatea, Raiatea to Tahaa, and Tahaa to Bora Bora.

On the third day of the race when the competitor' reach the finishing point at Pointe Matira, Bora Bora, the spot would be packed with cheering crowds of viewers to welcome the winners. Al though a spectacular sporting event, Hawaiiki Nui demands a great deal of physical endurance coupled with traditional as well as modern techniques.

Important festivals and events of French Polynesia also include Marathon races, art festivals, performances related to the history of Tahitian Islands, beauty contests, surfing competitions, Bastille Day celebrations, and more. In short, Tahitian Islands present a feast of festivals and events, apart from a variety of attractions, to enthrall and entertain people touring the destination.

From the aforesaid discussion, it is evident that French Polynesia has reasons to draw tourists year-round. Hence, in order to cater to the needs of increasing number of tourists per year, almost all prominent destinations in French Polynesia like Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea come with a number of accommodation options to choose from, including world class hotel and resort rooms, beautiful villas, and beachside apartments and cottages.

However, perhaps the most popular among the accommodation choice in Tahiti is overwater bungalows, which as the name implies, are built over the waters of the spectacular lagoon. They are attached with all facilities and amenities that a five-star hotel or resort renders. Let it be of any type, majority of the accommodation choices in Tahiti would be coupled with facilities like superb dining options, state of the fitness and spa facilities, and facilities to enjoy a number of activities.

Article Source: http://www.majorarticle.com

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