BACKGROUND
The festival began in the 1970s as a way of maintaining and promoting the Rapa Nui culture amongst the islanders, and in particular for generating interest and a sense of identity amongst the children. Only in the last few years has the travelling community woken up to this unique event, and February is now very much high season on the island.
BASICS
ADVERTISEMENT
The ultimate reason for the celebration is the election of the queen of the Tapati. Two candidates for the title are presented and will be supported by their families, friends and visitors. Each group forms an alliance that will face the other through a series of tests and competitions, evoking the rivalries between the old clans that ruled the island. The group that obtains the most points will get for its representative the symbolic right to reign on the island for the rest of the year.
MORE
Participation in the Tapati Festival is massive on the part of the inhabitants of the island, everyone gets involved with pride and enthusiasm and many invest their time, money and energy preparing and rehearsing throughout the year. That passion for their party is spread to the visitor who is invited to participate supporting one of the groups, living a unique and unforgettable experience.