“More than a festival, it was coming together again as one people, the Maohi Polynesian people.”
Maima Rapu has no words to describe the happiness and gratitude she feels after what has just been the first edition of the Taputapuātea festival in Rapa Nui.
“We feel at peace to have been able to connect again with our Polynesian brothers. It had such a strong impact of happiness, love towards each other, of regaining inner peace in our hearts, and that allows us to simply be more creative. We are whole again.”
The Arrival of the Delegations: An Emotional Reunion
After intense work that has been managed since the delivery of the baton of command in 2019, delegations from Hawaii, Rai’ātea Nui, Tumara’a, Rapa Iti, Ile Des Pins, Noumēa, New Caledonia, Henua ‘Enana, managed to reach Rapa Nui for the festival — a reunion that fits within the broader revival of the ancient traditions of Polynesian navigation that are once again connecting the peoples of the Pacific.
The True ‘Ūmanga: Community Work and Gratitude
“I have a lot to thank all the people in the community who participated. It would not have been possible without them to achieve a festival of this magnitude; not only Rapa Nui people but also Chilean, Peruvian, and people from various nationalities supported us with accommodations, food, hygiene products, and logistics. We also have to thank private and public institutions such as the Municipality of Rapa Nui, the Corporation of Art and Culture Rapa Nui, and the Regional Government. This was the true ‘Ūmanga. With this, it was shown that there are truly extraordinary people in Rapa Nui and that when we come together, we achieve incredible things. The delegations arrived crying with happiness and left crying with sadness.”
Next Edition: New Caledonia 2025
The next edition of the festival will take place in 2025 in New Caledonia, and preparations have already begun. Maima invites all those interested in supporting to contact the Ao Tupuna foundation — the same spirit of oceanic reconnection that drives local projects such as the Kuini Analola catamaran, dedicated to rescuing ancestral navigation on Rapa Nui.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Taputapuātea Festival
What is the Taputapuātea Festival?
It is a festival that brings together delegations from different peoples of the Polynesian Pacific — Hawaii, Rai’ātea Nui, Rapa Iti, New Caledonia and others — with the goal of strengthening cultural connection among the islands of the Maohi people.
When was the first edition held in Rapa Nui?
The first edition was held in Rapa Nui in 2024, following organizational work that began in 2019 with the symbolic delivery of the baton of command.
Where will the next edition of the festival be held?
The next edition of the Taputapuātea Festival will take place in 2025 in New Caledonia, and those interested in supporting can contact the Ao Tupuna foundation.
What did this festival mean for the Rapanui community?
It represented a historic milestone of reconnection with sister Polynesian peoples after years of air disconnection, mobilizing public and private institutions and the entire community in a true collective effort or ‘Ūmanga.
