Event· Nuku Hiva· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs
Matava'a Marquesas Arts Festival (Nuku Hiva)
8° 54.6′ S · 140° 6.1′ W · approximate
The Matava'a o te Fenua Enata gathers all six inhabited Marquesan islands for days of drumming, haka and bird dances, carving, tapa and tattoo, opening with the previous host's delegation arriving by outrigger canoe. It is made by Marquesans for Marquesans, and cruisers who attend rate it the highlight of their Pacific crossing.
Practical
Position approx: plotted at Taiohae village, host of the December 2023 edition (festival grounds include the waterfront tohua). Started 1986, originally every four years with Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa and Ua Pou rotating as hosts; now a big festival plus a smaller one in between (biennial rhythm). A 2024 compendium report said the 'small' Matava'a would be on Ua Huka (Ua Huna) in December 2025 and that Hiva Oa plans the big festival for December 2027; confirm dates with the tourist offices. Logistics: 160 boats anchored in Taiohae for the 2023 festival without real problems; host bays fill early. Bring cash and plaited-frond plates for the communal earth-oven lunches.
Best for
Timing your Marquesas season around living culture
Season
December, every 2 years (planned: Hiva Oa, Dec 2027)
Nearby
- Banque Socredo Taiohae (ATM)Right here
- Cathedral Notre-Dame des Iles Marquises (Taiohae)Right here
- Kapa Services Laundry (Taiohae)Right here
- Magasin Celine (Taiohae)Right here
- Magasin Kamake (Taiohae)Right here
- Magasin Larsons Super U (Taiohae)Right here
- Nuku Hiva Biosecurity Officer (Pet and Import Inspections)Right here
- Nuku Hiva Car Rental and 4x4 TaxisRight here
Place data includes © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).