Matavaa O Te Henua Enana: A Celebration of Marquesan Culture

In 2019, the "Matavaa O Te Henua Enana," or the Festival of the Marquesas Islands, unfolded on the rugged island of Ua Pou from December 16th to December 19th. This biennial event is a celebration of the rich cultural traditions of the Marquesas, drawing dancers, singers, and artists from across the islands, as well as from Tahiti and Rapa Nui.

Ua Pou, known for its striking volcanic spires rising dramatically from the ocean, provided the perfect backdrop for this three-day festival of music, dance, and storytelling. The island’s untamed beauty—its jagged peaks and lush valleys—mirrors the raw and powerful expression of the Marquesan culture seen at the festival. Ua Pou, often described as one of the most scenic and culturally rich islands in French Polynesia, is a place where ancient customs remain a vital part of daily life.

For three days, the island's villages come alive with the sounds of rhythmic drumming, chanting, and the swaying of dancers adorned in traditional attire. The festival offers a rare opportunity to immerse oneself in the deep-rooted traditions of the Marquesan people, from tattooing to wood carving and beyond. Ua Pou, already a land steeped in cultural significance, transforms into a vibrant hub where the past and present meet, celebrating the Marquesas’ living legacy with the world.

For anyone lucky enough to be there, the Matavaa on Ua Pou in 2019 was an unforgettable celebration of cultural pride and artistic mastery against one of the most dramatic natural landscapes in the Pacific.