Culture & Traditions

Immerse yourself in the warm embrace of Polynesian culture. Traditional dance and music performances showcase the islanders' rhythmic storytelling, conveying ancient legends and tales of daily life. Attend a tama'ara'a (traditional feast) to savour local delicacies and witness the art of crafting intricate tapa cloths.

On your Tahiti trip, engage with the locals, as their genuine hospitality unveils the heart and soul of French Polynesia. Visit the marae, ancient stone structures serving as spiritual and communal centres, and feel the connection to a heritage that spans centuries.

The culture of French Polynesia is a mix of language, religion, and clothing that reflects the unique identity of its people. The primary language is Tahitian, which preserves island traditions and connects the community. Religion, mainly Protestantism and Catholicism, plays a significant role, marked by ceremonies and festivals throughout the year. In terms of clothing, traditional attire like the colourful pareo for women and mara for men is common, especially during special events.

What is the visiting etiquette in French Polynesia?

French Polynesians hold a deep respect for their elders and take pride in hospitality. If you’re invited to share a meal or participate in a communal activity on your Tahiti vacation, you should accept unless you really can’t make it. If visiting a Polynesian home, bring a small gift such as flowers or a food item, and pass it using both hands. Always compliment the meal, and offer to help the host clean up afterwards.

Locals often greet each other with a light kiss on the cheek, and even if you don’t learn any other Polynesian phrases while you’re here, try to master Ia Orana (hello) and mauruuru (thank you) as a small show of respect. Great respect is also shown in cultural spots and at places of worship, so ensure your knees and shoulders are covered, even when visiting ancient religious sites that don’t appear to be in use anymore. The past, present, and future tend to flow into one where Polynesian culture is concerned. Always ask before taking a photograph of a person or a sacred site on any of your Tahiti tours.

What is French Polynesia best known for?

Simply put, “Tahiti” has become the byword for paradise around the world. The islands that now form French Polynesia became a dream destination within a few short years of making contact with Europeans, becoming intertwined in the story of the HMS Bounty, and an indelible influence on the artworks of Paul Gauguin, who made the islands his home. Today, however, Tahiti, as French Polynesia is often inaccurately known, is considered the ultimate honeymoon destination, where all inclusive resorts and overwater bungalows jut out over picture-perfect blue lagoons, surrounded by white sand beaches and lush hinterland. That image of French Polynesia is at its strongest on the islands of Bora Bora and Moorea, while a more authentic look at the islands can be seen on Tahiti itself, the largest island, where most of the locals live and work. Beyond the more famous big three islands, each of French Polynesia’s islands offers its own discoveries, from evocative historic sites and temples to peerless snorkelling and diving tours, to specialized cuisine, and even your own private catamaran cruise—it’s worth exploring more than one island on your Tahiti vacation.

What are some French Polynesian traditions?

There are many traditions that set French Polynesia apart from other island destinations, and of course, from France. Outrigger canoe racing is a popular sport that Polynesians take very seriously. If sport floats your boat (so to speak!) the best time to visit French Polynesia is during the three-day Hawaiki Nui Va’a, which challenges teams to navigate the waters between several of the islands of Tahiti, testing stamina, team cohesion, and strategy. 

The arts may no longer be Olympic events, but they’re still celebrated alongside sport at Heiva I, a grand celebration of Tahitian culture that mixes traditional Tahitian sporting events such as stone lifting, spear throwing, traditional archery, and competitive tree climbing (yes, that’s a thing) with song and dance for a uniquely Polynesian extravaganza.

Did we also mention Polynesians invented surfing? It might not be so unique to the islands today, but there’s no more authentic (or beautiful) place on earth to take a lesson. Ask your travel agency for Tahiti vacation packages that include this world-famous sport!

What are French Polynesians like socially?

Polynesians are generally welcoming, communal, and gregarious. They try to live in the moment and value artistic expression and bravery, which in years past, cemented not only the spread and survival of their culture, but their reputation as great navigators.

What languages do French Polynesians speak?

French is the only official language in French Polynesia and over 95 percent of French Polynesians speak it. More than 86 percent know some form of Polynesian language as well, with about 20 percent speaking Tahitian as their first language. The popularity of Tahiti vacations has flourished for a long time in French Polynesia, so English is also widely understood, particularly in resorts and restaurants. A travel guide can teach you some French or Polynesian phrases you can use to endear yourself to the locals.