Event· Hiva Oa· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs
Matava'a Marquesas Arts Festival (Hiva Oa)
9° 48.2′ S · 139° 2.6′ W · approximate
The Marquesas Arts Festival (Matava'a o te Henua Enana) brings every island's dancers, drummers, carvers and tattooists together in a celebration of reclaimed culture. Hiva Oa hosts the major edition in December 2027.
Practical
Position is Atuona's tohua (Tohua Pepeu, OpenStreetMap), approximate since venues are not yet announced; part of the 2027 festival will be held at Me'ae Iipona, Puamau (2026 brief). The festival alternates major and minor editions about every two years; Ua Huka hosted the December 2025 one (cruiser report 2024). Expect temporary anchoring rules: the DPAM imposed a temporary regime for the December 2023 edition, and anchorages overflowed in 2022 (20+ boats in Hanavave). Book Escales early. Volunteers are welcome, including help with inter-island transport; contact the Tahauku Tourism Committee. Villages rehearse drumming and dance for months beforehand.
Best for
Once-in-a-cruise cultural event
Season
December 2027 (Hiva Oa)
Nearby
- Atuona Produce MarketRight here
- Banque Socredo Atuona (ATM)Right here
- Atuona Gendarmerie (Port of Entry)0.1 NM away
- Boulangerie Shan (Atuona)0.1 NM away
- Espace Culturel Paul Gauguin (Atuona)0.1 NM away
- Magasin Naiki (Atuona)0.1 NM away
- Mokai O Mango (Atuona)0.1 NM away
- Shop Gauguin Hardware (Atuona)0.1 NM away