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(This installment has many photos, please be patient...)

Papeete, Tahiti

Waterfront of the bustling City of Papeete

            Downtown Papeete, Tahiti came alive with the “Heiva,” the Tahitian term for celebration.  This month long celebration in all of French Polynesia takes place from June 22 to July 22, but climaxes around French Independence Day, Bastille Day, July 14. The Heiva involves dance competition, canoe races, and a fruit carrying race, arts and crafts demonstrations, a javelin-throwing contest and numerous other celebrations of Tahitian culture. The competition in Papeete includes representatives from groups from all islands in French Polynesia. However, each island has it’s own celebration also.  In the photograph above, you see the start of the 6 man canoe races in Papeete. Views of different races follow.

One-man canoe races.

After race.

Right of way challenge.

12 women per canoe.

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