Event· Ua Pou· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs
Matava'a Marquesas Arts Festival (Ua Pou)
9° 21.6′ S · 140° 2.9′ W · approximate
The Marquesas Arts Festival (Matava'a o te Henua 'Enata) began on Ua Pou in 1987 and returned to Hakahau in December 2019. Delegations from every island, Rapa Nui and Mangareva share dance, drumming, carving and tattooing.
Practical
Coordinate approximate: the festival ground in central Hakahau. Wikipedia: first held on Ua Pou in 1987. Sugar Shack (Dec 2019): yachts had to anchor in a small approved area at the rolly mouth of Hakahau Bay, with about 10-12 boats allowed. Arrive weeks early to get a spot. Hakahetau served as the second approved anchorage, with more than 30 boats. Two cruise ships tied to the dock. The big festival rotates islands: Migration (May 2024) reported a 'small' Matava'a on Ua Huka in December 2025 and Hiva Oa hosting the big one in December 2027. Confirm dates with Tahiti Tourisme or the commune. Before a festival you hear drum and dance practice in the villages every evening.
Best for
Seeing Marquesan culture at its most alive
Nearby
- Aranui Day Dance Performance (Hakahau)Right here
- Banque Socredo HakahauRight here
- Hakahau Artisan MarketRight here
- Hakahau Cultural Centre Potable Water TapRight here
- Hakahau Gendarmerie (Port of Entry)Right here
- Hakahau Library WifiRight here
- Hakahau Post Office and MairieRight here
- Te Oa Pohue Co-op Buffet (Hakahau)Right here