The opening ceremony marks the beginning of the dance and singing competitions. It is a tribute to all the singing and dance groups that will present with dignity the colours of their municipality or theme and also to the judges on To’ata stage.
A solemn covenant is made during the rāhiri, an ancestral ceremony traditionally held as a prelude to major events.
Every representative holds a banana leaf that is put down on the ground, a ritual which is a part of a strong exchange between the judges and those that they will have to judge.
A sign of peace and serenity, the rāhiri seals the commitment to respect each other until the end of the competition. This short ceremony brings back the sacred nature of the festivities and offers a vibrant moment of intensity and emotions to the participant as well as to the public, who feels the enthusiasm that drives all of the Heiva’s contenders.
Opening ceremony and Rähiri
Wednesday 4 July 20188 at 06:00 p.m.
To’ata square, at the opening of the competition evenings