TAHITI, FRENCH POLYNESIA
Heiva is a spritely celebration and competition of ancient Polynesian culture (held every July) that was long suppressed by colonialism. However, many families from all over the 65 inhabited Islands secretly kept traditions alive practicing ancient dances and songs. France recently began ‘permitting’ the Island groups to participate again. Consisting of tribal dance and costume, art, sport and music. The musicians made instruments primarily drums, lukulele, a bamboo nasal flute, and conch shells.
Passionate singing is sung a cappella in the ancient native Tahitian language. It was amazing to experperience Heiva, such an incredibly unique and emotional celebration.
