Finally, the Heiva in Bora Bora has just started! It is a real excitement after two years without Heiva. The population of Bora Bora and the tourists will be able to enjoy the beautiful shows on Tuvavau square but also what is called baraque or fare tuirai. The baraques are huts that shelter games, snacks, restaurants and a nightclub. But who is behind these huts built especially for the Heiva? Every year, Jean Louis and his family build the Stardium. This fare is very expected since it is the nightclub of the Heiva. We tell you more…
The Stardium
Jean-Louis is from Bora Bora. Very attached to his culture and traditions, he practices Ori Tahiti in a Polynesian show group. You might see him dancing in the Polynesian show at your hotel in Bora Bora.
Since 2016, at each Heiva, Jean-Louis and his family build the Stardium, a “nightclub” hut. Every year, the Stardium gathers the population of Bora Bora who likes to enjoy the Heiva, a great cultural celebration. Every day, since May, he and his family have worked together to build their fare tiurai. Everyone has a role to play in the construction and installation of the Stardium. It will require two months of work.
Construction of the huts
The construction is done step by step. The families who build their huts collect the different types of wood they find in their gardens or in nature.
They use the purau (Hibiscus tiliaceus) to make the framework and the aito (Australian pine) to hold the structure and make the pillars. The ofe (bamboo) is also used as well as niau (coconut palms) to cover the roof.
The roof of a fare can also be covered with pandanus. Pandanus is collected from the motu (islets). The pandanus leaf is then smoothed and dried. The pandanus leaves are gathered in bundles of 20. These bundles are worth 3500 XPF (about 30 USD). According to Jean-Louis, this activity is very important. It is a livelihood to meet daily needs. Each leaf of pandanus is then folded around the aeho (reed) and arranged side by side. It is a very long work which requires know-how and patience.
Jean-Louis and the Heiva
Jean-Louis is very proud to participate to the Heiva in Bora Bora. There is a lot of pride in representing a district. Indeed, six districts (Anau, Amanahune, Hitia, Tipoto, Nunue and Faanui) will present their songs (himene) and dances (otea). It is also a heritage to be transmitted to the next generations. The Heiva, the songs and dances are a heritage of the tupuna (ancestors) for whom Jean-Louis is deeply grateful.
