Easter Island is full of mystery. Visit during the first two weeks of February and you will be even more intrigued!
During the Tapati Festival, the entire island comes together in song and dance to celebrate their unique culture. The Rapanui (inhabitants of Easter Island) participate in traditional sporting events like Haka Pei, which involves sliding down steep slopes on banana trunks! With painted bodies, the locals take part in this festival meant FOR the locals. Tapati's purpose is not to be a commercial tourist attraction, but it is an authentic celebration among the people of Easter Island. However, visitors are encouraged to observe and even participate, so an opportunity to experience the festival is not to be missed.
Tapati Festival on Easter Island
Islanders are divided into two "alliances" which represent the two ancient castes that originally populated Easter Island. These alliances compete throughout the course of the festival. Body painting, navigation, food, swimming, craftsmanship, and singing are all included in the competitions. Tapati concludes with a parade and the anticipated crowning of the queen from the dominating alliance.
Unique to Easter Island, the Tapati Festival would be an amazing experience for any adventure-seeker! The confirmed dates for 2014 are February 1 to February 15. Want to go?
We were referred by a satisfied client and the booking of the trip was everything we wanted to do, and they listened to the types of hotels, sightseeing, etc. we wanted to do.
Jan S
1 month ago
Rapa Nui was on my bucket list for a long time so I worried that it would not meet my expectations. Our tour could not have been better. Our guide was knowledgeable and professional with an understanding of the island that made it come alive. I would and have recommended this trip to everyone that will listen.
elisa wright
2 months ago
Mary Curry is the BEST! I have worked with her for multiple family trips for over 10 years, and she is responsive, works within your preferences and budget, has great suggestions and has personal travel experience at many of the locations. We prefer active family vacations and Adventure Life and Mary Curry make sure that is what we get!
Heather Spanbauer
2 months ago
My tour operator was helpful. Unfortunately she was unable to get my single-supplement canceled. Not too many tours charge for that anymore and I almost canceled my trip because of that.
Joel
3 months ago
Excellent communication and coordination for our proposed trip. It couldn't have been smoother, and any question we did have was rapidly addressed. It has made the whole process nearly seamless.
