EASTER ISLAND

The Tapati Festival in Easter Island

Región de Valparaiso
Easter Island

The warm and colorful proof of the cultural renaissance of Easter Island is the celebration that takes place once a year in late January and early February. A spectacular week that mobilizes the entire island. In fact, the islanders celebrate the Tapati Festival (literally, "week") with exuberance, where two teams compete against each other for days and nights. Each team consists of one part of the town of Hanga Roa, which is "symbolic", led by a queen, a beautiful young woman who competes with the rivals of the clan for the symbolic title of "queen of the island," which lasts one year. This competition is much more than choosing a frivolous "miss." On the contrary, it is a peaceful confrontation between two competing clans through vertiginous slopes, surfing and canoeing competitions, singing contests and traditional dances every night, sculpture contests, etc. The celebration gives each islander the opportunity to express their talents, according to their ability to score in favor of their candidate. The Queen chosen belongs to the team that accumulates the most points. Today, the Tapati festival has become the focal point of the Rapa Nui calendar, and is the most joyful and creative part of the year.