Presented to the press on Tuesday 20 October 2026 (watch the press conference), the second edition of Matariʻi i niʻa will take place on Friday 20 November 2026 in Papeʻete. Free event, open to the public.
A second edition under the signs of the sky, the land and the sea
To strengthen the coherence and cultural reach of the event, the 2026 edition is built around a shared story, Tapā’o Tumu, celebrating the bonds between the sky, the land and the sea. From the traditional ʻava ceremony, the opening highlight devoted to sharing and passing on knowledge, to the lagoon-facing activities at the end of the day, the programme invites the public to rediscover the deep bonds that unite Polynesians with their natural and cultural environment.
The highlight of this edition, the float parade will take over the waterfront in a festive, friendly spirit. Showcasing the archipelagos, traditional know-how, the performing arts and the creativity of the participating associations, this popular parade will celebrate the richness of local heritage through costumes, songs, dances and sets inspired by island traditions. With 10 flower floats and nearly 2,500 performers, the procession will travel along the waterfront for about two hours, offering a colourful show that celebrates Polynesian culture in all its diversity.
For the occasion, the public is invited to wear their finest local outfits, colourful and flowered, along with beautiful flower crowns, to take full part in the atmosphere of this great popular celebration and share the spirit of Matari’i i ni’a together.
Programme for Friday 20 November
- 08h30 – 09h40 — Celebration of the rising of the Pleiades · Pāʻōfaʻi Gardens, Papeʻete
- 14h00 – 15h30 — Crafts and information stands · Place Vaiʻete, Papeʻete
- 15h30 – 16h20 — Official opening ceremony · Place Vaiʻete, Papeʻete
- 16h30 – 18h30 — Cultural parade · Boulevard Pōmare, Papeʻete waterfront
- 18h30 – 21h00 — Live music · Place Vaiʻete, Centre Vaima and rue Gauguin, Papeʻete
- 21h00 – 21h30 — Fireworks and close of the festivities · Papeʻete harbour
Official programme (Tahiti Tourisme, in French).
Parade route and road closures
- Boulevard Pomare: 12:00 noon to 10:00 pm
- Rue Jeanne d’Arc: 6:00 am to 10:00 pm
Press kit
The Matariʻi i niʻa 2026 press kit (13 pages, in French) is available to journalists.