Events to attend on Easter Island

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Tapati Nui Festival 

A colourful Polynesian festival Rapa Nui style. Very nice, so make sure you visit the island...

The festival consists of various probes, events: dance, physical tests (including fishing), theatre-like presentations and ceremonies, which involve giving homage to the island. The Tapati festival is held usually in January, February and lasts about 2 weeks. Please not that for Easter Islanders, this period is in the summer.

You can see night-time activities, painted islanders and lots of dancers. Rapa Nui music is especially pleasant.

During the Tapati Nui Festival many tourists arrive to the island and often there is no or very little place left in hotels. Locals rent their homes out for less than the cost of hotels, but comfort level is not as good as in a hotel.

A queen is selected and crowned at the festival. This part of the event is one of the most expected moments by those who attend the festival.

The Tapati is a new festival. Not an old tradition, but one started in the second part of the 20th century. It combines though, many traditional rituals, ceremonies, sporty activities.

When attending this event, you will most probably see fireworks too.

If you want to see the Tapati Festival, then you have to make reservations in advance.

Haka Pei Competition 

A sporty, perhaps for the western tourist an unusual contest: those who take part in it have to slide down on a hill, sitting on top of sled built from banana trees. The person who remains for longer on the log wins the competition. It is very dangerous and not recommended to experiment. Bones can be fractured, broken easily.

Men and women both take part in this funny and dangerous contest.

The contest is held on a hill called Maunga Puhi (Pui), located quite far from Hanga Roa town, you will have to get there by vehicle, don't try on foot...