The story
Tapati Rapa Nui in Rapa Nui
Tapati Rapa Nui is the central cultural festival of Rapa Nui, or Easter Island, a Polynesian Chilean territory in the South Pacific, held over two weeks each February since 1975. Two teams compete for points across contests in wood and stone carving, dance, singing in the Rapa Nui language and the demanding Tau'a Rapa Nui triathlon, culminating in the crowning of a festival queen. It reflects distinct Rapa Nui Polynesian culture rather than mainland Chilean tradition.
For two weeks every February, Rapa Nui, or Easter Island, a Polynesian territory governed by Chile far out in the South Pacific, turns its main town of Hanga Roa into the site of Tapati Rapa Nui, the island's central cultural festival since 1975.