The Tāpati Rapa Nui festival celebrated its 56th edition, and like every year, it attracted tourists and residents of the island, with a series of competitions that culminated in the coronation of the ‘Ariki (queen) 2024 Nehe-Nehe Pakomio Atan, an outstanding athlete and artist who won the hearts of all with her charisma and love for the culture. Alongside her family and a group of friends, they carried out each competition successfully. Her participation was marked by the “ūmaŋa,” a value of the Rapa Nui worldview that calls upon all individuals, with their best skills and virtues, towards a common goal.
Additionally, for the first time, a Taŋata Manu was chosen from among all the male competitors who participated in the Tāpati. This recognition went to Raŋi Nui Atán, for being the winner of the Tau’a, an exhausting triathlon that includes stages of rowing, running with bunches of bananas, and swimming with totora boards on the coast of Haŋa Roa. Moreover, he also participated in the carving of paoa, kai-kai, Riu, among others.
Another milestone of this edition was the live broadcast through the open signal and digital channel of the local channel Mata O Te Rapa Nui, which had about ten thousand views on YouTube. Additionally, for the first time, thanks to an alliance with PasifikaTV, our cultural festival was available on television channels throughout Polynesia.
