What ’s in a name?
The name Bora Bora comes from the Polynesian word for “new born”, while its nickname “Jewel of the South Seas” originates from the emerald motus (islands) that encircle and protect the island like a string of pearls.
Local events
Heiva Festival
Heiva i Tahiti, or ‘party time’ in Tahitian. The festival is marked by flamboyant dresses, swaying hips, and acrobatic dances. Maidens adorned in bird feathers, garlands, flowers and men flaunting ancient Polynesian skills and feats of strength are themselves the highlight of the festivities.
Starting at the end of June and stretching into most of July, the Heiva festival marks a month-long of fun and festivities. It is also the time to witness the very best in traditional Tahitian culture. Groups from the five widely dispersed archipelagos of French Polynesia – the Marquesas, the Tuamotus, the Australs, the Gambier Islands, and the other Society Islands – congregate to celebrate and show off their traditional skills.
Join in the dance to the pounding drumbeat or sing amid the Tahitian dance troupe in full cry on an open amphitheatre. Or witness ancient warriors in a palm tree climbing contest or lifting up to 300 pounds of stones. All these elaborate displays of culture are highlighted by young maidens and warriors dressed in traditional tribal garments.
For a less adventurous heart, the Heiva also features distinctive arts and crafts from each of French Polynesia’s five archipelagos. Here is where local artisans boast the best of their traditions passed on from one generation to the next. Hand-sewn quilts, or ‘tifaifai’, marked by floral designs unique to each maker. Carving in wood, bone, stone and mother-of-pearl. Tattooing. Stone sculpting. The making of ornaments from pandanus, pearl shell, and coral.
Bring your coconuts. Drape yourself in pareo wraparounds. And delve right in for the fun of your life.
Billabong Pro Surf
Monster waves. Razor-sharp reefs. Adrenaline rush. The Championships. Once a year, the quiet village of Teahupoo offers a perfect condition for professional surfers to challenge the raging waves head-on. Whether you are witnessing on the shore or surfing with the pros, the experience will surely serve that urgent need for thrill.
Regarded as a must-surf location for every enthusiastic surfer, Teahupoo rests in the southwest corner of the smaller of Tahiti’s two dormant volcanoes. The site boasts some of the heaviest waves in the world. The size of these monsters reaches 5-6 metres in height and commands as much awe as respect. “Jaws of Water” is what the locals name the place.
For the first half of May, professional surfers from all parts of the world turn up on this tucked corner of the island to contest their surfing skills. The Billabong Pro Surfing Tournament commences with the trial event on 1-5 May 2007. Here, local as well as professional surfers polish up their boards and compete alongside in the raging swell.
The main event on 6-18 May 2007 is when you can witness the spectacular competition. This is also the opportunity to bump shoulders with some of the world champions – the elite of surfers. Among them, three-time world champion Andy Irons, top-ten surfer Shane Dorian, and local charger Raimana Van Bastoloer, who nearly escaped death in the 2005 championship event.
Hawaiiki Nui
Known as ‘the only sailing regatta in the world with more lay days than races’, the Hawaiiki Nui offers revellers a chance to party with a passion, as sailing crews battle across the islands.
Cocktail in hand or hand on rig, the Hawaiiki Nui thrills all who take part in the action.
The regatta begins from the lagoon of Raitea. Over the coming days, adrenaline alternates with days of intensive relaxation. The race courses through Raiatea, Huahine, Taha’a and Bora Bora – Tahiti’s Leeward Islands.
The pièce de résistance of this nautical masterpiece: the run for Bora Bora. Crews cut through the water towards the pristine green island, mountain rising over the ocean. Jungle cascades down its slopes. Clouds encircle the peaks. And the competition becomes fierce.
Celebrations encompass each island. Feast on Polynesian delicacies. Freshly caught seafood grilled or prepared in the style of poisson cru with lemon and coconut. Chicken, island pigs and lobster roasted in the ahima’a, or underground oven. And of course, cocktails, such as a chilled Mai Tai, Polynesian for ‘out of this world’.
Aside from the parties and competition, you can indulge yourself with the highlights of the area – diving, snorkeling, jungle excursions, luxurious bungalows.
The 7th Annual Hawaiiki Nui takes place 14-26 October 2007.
