Tapati Rapa Nui 2026 Dates
Want to know when Tapati Rapa Nui 2026 will take place on Easter Island? The official dates haven’t been announced yet, but traditionally this cultural event is held during the first two weeks of February.
Historical Tapati Festival Dates (2013–2025):
- 2025: February 1–14
- 2024: February 9–17
- 2023: February 3–11
- 2022: February 4–12 (reduced format, no tourists)
- 2021: January 30–February 6 (local edition during pandemic)
- 2020: February 1–15
- 2019: February 1–16
- 2018: February 2–17
- 2017: January 27–February 12
- 2016: January 29–February 14
- 2015: January 30–February 14
Based on tradition, Tapati 2026 will likely be celebrated between January 30 and February 15, 2026, although the official confirmation will be announced a few months prior.
Photography: Internet
What is the Tapati Rapa Nui Festival?
Tapati Rapa Nui is the most important cultural festival on Easter Island and one of the most iconic celebrations in all of Polynesia. It’s not a tourist show but a living cultural event that honors the identity, history, and ancestral traditions of the Rapa Nui people.
Born in the 1960s as a way to strengthen local culture, Tapati has become the heartbeat of the island every summer. For almost two weeks, Easter Island comes alive with sports competitions, art, music, traditional dances, and rituals that connect past and present.
Photography: Internet
Tapati 2026 Activities and Competitions
The festival features more than 40 cultural and artistic activities, many open to the public:
- Ancestral Competitions
Haka Pei: contestants slide down a steep hill on banana tree trunks at incredible speed. - Traditional Sports
Horse races, the Rapa Nui triathlon (Tau’a), swimming, and Polynesian canoeing. - Arts and Crafts
Wood carving, flower crowns, and traditional costume making. - Dance, Music & Takona
Live shows with local groups, storytelling through songs and movements, and body painting with natural pigments full of meaning. - Kai Kai
Storytelling using figures made from strings.
At night, Hanga Vare Vare becomes the main stage, hosting massive cultural performances and the election of the Tapati Queen—a tradition involving the entire community.
Photography: Internet
Tapati and the Gastronomic & Artisan Experience
Hanga Vare Vare transforms into a lively food and artisan fair, offering:
- Traditional Rapa Nui dishes
- Fresh seafood
- Vegetarian options
- Natural juices and homemade desserts
You’ll also find handcrafted art, paintings, jewelry, and natural products like soaps, oils, and creams. The atmosphere promotes wellness—no alcohol is sold and there are smoke-free areas.
Photography: Internet
Travel Tips for Tapati Rapa Nui 2026
✔ Book early: Flights and accommodations fill up fast during peak season.
✔ Stay informed: Visit the local tourism office or follow official social media accounts for the schedule.
✔ Payment methods: Most places accept credit cards and even U.S. dollars in good condition, but cash is handy for taxis and small vendors.
✔ Respect the culture: Enjoy without interfering, follow instructions, and protect the environment.
✔ Prepare for the sun: Light clothes, sunscreen, and plenty of water—the heat is intense!
✔ Park tickets & guides: Buy your National Park ticket and hire a certified guide to explore archaeological sites.
✔ Bring your energy: Come with passion and the desire to create unforgettable memories.
Photography: Internet
How Can Visitors Take Part in Tapati Rapa Nui 2026?
- Attend ancestral competitions: learn about traditional sports, manual skill challenges, and cultural performances, day and night.
- Join the opening parade: experience the energy of the grand opening procession, dressed in the colors of a queen candidate and marching with the community.
- Take part in the Nari Nari parade: a multi-hour event with body painting, floats, dances, and music that bring locals and visitors together.
- Enjoy cultural nights at Hanga Vare Vare: Every night, the main stage lights up with performances reflecting the identity and history of Rapa Nui.
Photography: Internet
Tapati Rapa Nui 2026: A Unique Cultural Experience
If you’re looking for a trip that combines culture, tradition, nature, and adventure, Tapati Rapa Nui 2026 is an unmissable experience. Feel the heartbeat of the island, witness living traditions, and connect deeply with the Rapa Nui spirit.
We’ll update this page as soon as the official dates are announced.