Every year in February, the remote and mystical island awakens Rapa Nui (Easter Island) to life with the Tapati Festival, an authentic celebration of Polynesian culture and traditions. This year, the festival will enchant us from February 9-17, 2024, offering a unique insight into the island's rich heritage.
At Anakena - Natural Cosmetics, we believe in celebrating natural beauty and cultural traditions, values that are deeply connected to the spirit of Tapati. "Tapati Rapa Nui" is not only a celebration, but also a demonstration of the community's commitment to its heritage and history, with competitions, crafts and performances that highlight the symbiotic relationship between man and nature.
★ A celebration of culture and competition ★
Tapati Rapa Nui is more than a festival, it is a traditional competition in which the clans select candidates for the title of queen based on their performance in various cultural events. One of the highlights of the festival is the "Tau'a Rapa Nui", a triathlon in which the islanders demonstrate their physical prowess and deep connection with their environment. The participants take part in a rowing race on reed boats, a banana plant race and a swimming competition on a reed canoe, demonstrating their skills and strength that have been handed down for generations.
★ Arts and crafts ★
Of course, the festival also features traditional handicrafts, with competitions in mahute making (the bark of the Morus papyrifera plant is used to make cloth), stone and wood carving and the making of traditional costumes and necklaces. These activities not only celebrate the artistic talents of the Rapanui people, but also emphasize the sustainable use of natural materials - a principle that aligns with Anakena - Natural Cosmetics' commitment to eco-friendly beauty.
Nights of dance and storytelling
When the sun goes down, Tapati is transformed into a breathtaking spectacle of dance and music. "Takona", the body painting with natural pigments, and "Kai Kai", a storytelling art with carved figures, are particularly impressive and embody the storytelling traditions of the islanders and their deep connection to their legends and history.
★ Celebrate the Tapati festival with Anakena ★
Anakena - Natural Cosmetics invites you to discover the magic of the Tapati Festival, a celebration that reflects our commitment to natural beauty, sustainability and cultural preservation. With our products, we strive to capture the essence of these enriching traditions and bring you the spirit of Rapa Nui's natural elegance.
Together, let us cultivate and uphold these beautiful traditions to celebrate the cultural heritage that makes our world so wonderfully diverse.
Here you can download the program of this year's Tapatifest:
Celebrate the Tapati Festival on Easter Island with us
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