Pitufa.at » Photo Galleries » July Festival in Mangareva

When we arrived in Rikitea in May, we already heard drumming each evening. Two competing dance and drumming groups spend several months preparing for the highlight of the year: the 'Le Juillet' or 'Heiva' festival with daily traditional dance performances and fringe events takes place between the 5th and 14th of July. In the end prizes in different categories (best Mangareva dance, Tahitian dance, single and pair dance, drumming group) are awarded. The festival turned out surprisingly tame, maybe due to the fact that no alcohol was sold.

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1/50: Several months of practicing each evening proceed the festival.
2/50: Opening ceremony on the 5th of July. Mangarevan flag (left), French flag (middle), and French Polynesian flag (right).
3/50: Due to bad weather some events took place inside the multi-purpose hall.
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5/50: The audience is invited to join the dance.
6/50: Solo dancer
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11/50: During the first few days villagers invite the groups to their houses to dance for them.
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16/50: The Mangarevan dance tells historical stories end legnds.
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19/50: The food stalls are open every day during the festival.
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21/50: Passionate hip swinging drives the costumes beyond their breaking strength.
22/50: Oops
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50/50: Nicolas, who usually generously provides us with veggies, is one of the drummers.