The Real Tahiti Olympics Celebrate Polynesian Culture by Tatsiana Chypsanava

Toakura, the Tahitian dancing g...m French Polynesia and beyond.

Toakura, the Tahitian dancing group and the winner of Heiva festival, take part in their final performance of the festival in Papeete, French Polynesia on Saturday, July 15, 2023. Heiva is also a competitive celebration bringing together thousands of singers, musicians, artists, dancer and athletes from French Polynesia and beyond.

Magnificat Maituitu, 18, from A...m French Polynesia and beyond.

Magnificat Maituitu, 18, from Anau, Bora Bora, poses for a portrait at the Tū'aro Mā'ohi in Punaauia, Tahiti, French Polynesia on Saturday, July 15, 2023. Tu’aro Ma’ohi, a part of Heiva festival which is also a competitive celebration bringing together thousands of singers, musicians, artists, dancer and athletes from French Polynesia and beyond.

Participants of the coconut tre...m French Polynesia and beyond.

Participants of the coconut tree climbing competition from Papeete, entertain the public at the Tū'aro Mā'ohi in Punaauia, Tahiti, French Polynesia on Saturday, July 15, 2023 . Tu’aro Ma’ohi, a part of Heiva festival which is also a competitive celebration bringing together thousands of singers, musicians, artists, dancer and athletes from French Polynesia and beyond.

Male participants collect their...m French Polynesia and beyond.

Male participants collect their javelins at the javelin throwing competition at the Tū'aro Mā'ohi in Punaauia, Tahiti, French Polynesia on Saturday, July 15, 2023 . Tu’aro Ma’ohi, a part of Heiva festival which is also a competitive celebration bringing together thousands of singers, musicians, artists, dancer and athletes from French Polynesia and beyond.

Men participate in the old scho...m French Polynesia and beyond.

Men participate in the old school Tahitian wrestling at Tu’aro Ma’ohi in Punaauia, Tahiti, French Polynesia on Saturday, July 15, 2023. Tu’aro Ma’ohi, a part of Heiva festival which is also a competitive celebration bringing together thousands of singers, musicians, artists, dancer and athletes from French Polynesia and beyond.

A coconut husking competition r...m French Polynesia and beyond.

A coconut husking competition runs before judges and spectators at Tu’aro Ma’ohi in Punaauia, Tahiti, French Polynesia on Saturday, July 15, 2023. Tu’aro Ma’ohi, a part of Heiva festival which is also a competitive celebration bringing together thousands of singers, musicians, artists, dancer and athletes from French Polynesia and beyond.

Maheana Atapo, the best dancer ...m French Polynesia and beyond.

Maheana Atapo, the best dancer from Ori i Tahiti Tahitian dance group, performs at Heiva Festival in Papeete, French Polynesia on Friday, July 14, 2023 . Heiva is also a competitive celebration bringing together thousands of singers, musicians, artists, dancer and athletes from French Polynesia and beyond.

Men take part in the javelin th...m French Polynesia and beyond.

Men take part in the javelin throwing competition at the Tū'aro Mā'ohi in Punaauia, Tahiti, French Polynesia on Saturday, July 15, 2023 . Tu’aro Ma’ohi, a part of Heiva festival which is also a competitive celebration bringing together thousands of singers, musicians, artists, dancer and athletes from French Polynesia and beyond.

The Real Tahiti Olympics Celebrate Polynesian Culture

A young man carries a va’a a Ta...r the 2024 Paris Olympic Games

A young man carries a va’a a Tahitian traditional canoe to the water in Teahupo’o, Tahiti, French Polynesia on Sunday, July 16, 2023. Teahupo’o will be the surfing venue for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games