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Tapati 2027 in Rapa Nui (Easter Island) featuring a traditional dance performance during the festival

Tapati Rapa Nui 2027: Official Dates, Queen Candidates and How to Experience Easter Island’s Biggest Festival

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Editorial Team at Beyond the Moai
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The official dates for Tapati Rapa Nui 2027 have now been confirmed: January 30 to February 12, 2027. This will be the 59th edition of the most important cultural festival on Rapa Nui (Easter Island). For those of us who live on the island, the excitement has already begun. Families are preparing for the competition, the official queen candidates have been announced, and the search for this year’s official festival poster is already underway.

If you’re planning to visit Easter Island during the Tapati Festival 2027, now is the time to start organizing your trip. February is the busiest travel season of the year, with thousands of visitors arriving to experience the island’s living culture. Flights and accommodations often sell out months in advance.

In this guide, you’ll discover what Tapati Rapa Nui is, everything confirmed so far about the 2027 edition, and how to prepare for one of the most authentic cultural celebrations in the Pacific.

Contents hide
1 What is Tapati Rapa Nui?
2 Tapati Rapa Nui 2027 Dates
3 Meet the 2027 Queen Candidates
4 How Does the Tapati Rapa Nui 2027 Competition Work?
4.1 Traditional Sporting Competitions
4.2 Music, Dance and Traditional Arts
4.3 Traditional Crafts and Ancestral Knowledge
5 Official Tapati Rapa Nui 2027 Poster Competition
6 When Will the Official Tapati Rapa Nui 2027 Program Be Released?
7 Tips for Visiting During Tapati Rapa Nui 2027
8 Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tapati Rapa Nui?

The word Tapati means “week” in the Rapanui language, although today the celebration lasts nearly two weeks. Created in the late 1960s as a community festival, it has grown into the island’s most important annual cultural event, bringing together families from across Rapa Nui to celebrate and preserve their ancestral traditions.

During Tapati Rapa Nui, local families form alliances around the official queen candidates and compete in dozens of traditional sporting, artistic, and cultural events. It is not a performance created for tourists. It is a community-driven celebration where months of preparation culminate in nearly two weeks of competitions, music, dance, craftsmanship, and cultural pride.

Traditional dance performance during Tapati 2027 in Rapa Nui.
During Tapati, the entire community comes together to preserve Rapanui traditions.

Visitors are warmly welcomed to experience the festival. You can attend rehearsals, watch the competitions, support one of the competing family alliances, and take part in many community events that are open to the public.

Today, Tapati Rapa Nui is one of the cultural highlights of Easter Island, complementing the island’s extraordinary archaeological heritage, which is protected within Rapa Nui National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tapati Rapa Nui 2027 Dates

The 59th edition of Tapati Rapa Nui will take place from Saturday, January 30, to Friday, February 12, 2027.

For fourteen days, Easter Island comes alive with traditional competitions during the day and cultural performances each evening, most of them held at the main stage in Hanga Vare Vare, located in Hanga Roa.

Main stage at Hanga Vare Vare during Tapati 2027

The festival concludes with its most anticipated moment: the coronation of the ‘Ariki Vahine, the Tapati Queen, who will represent Rapa Nui throughout the following year.

Meet the 2027 Queen Candidates

Unlike previous editions of Tapati Rapa Nui, this year’s festival required a preliminary selection process to determine the two official queen candidates who will compete throughout Tapati Rapa Nui 2027.

Initially, three young women entered the selection process: Haukena Mella Tuki, Mihiꞌua Pakomio Rapu, and Kuhane Pate Tuki. However, because each competing family must dedicate significant financial, logistical, and human resources throughout the festival, the organizing committee decided to carry out a pre-selection to ensure that only two official candidates would continue in the competition, making the event more sustainable for everyone involved.

The pre-selection took place on April 24 and 25, 2026, at different cultural venues across Rapa Nui (Easter Island). During these two days, each participant was evaluated through a variety of traditional disciplines closely connected to the island’s cultural heritage.

The candidates demonstrated their skills in mahute fiber craftsmanship, traditional handicrafts, floral adornments, ancestral sporting events, music, dance, and traditional attire. They also explained the cultural significance of the pieces they created, highlighting not only their technical abilities but also their understanding of Rapanui traditions and identity.

This evaluation allowed the organizing committee to assess each participant’s knowledge, preparation, and commitment before selecting the two official candidates who will compete during Tapati Rapa Nui 2027. More than simply choosing finalists, the process aimed to ensure transparency while honoring the deep connection that each family maintains with the traditions of Rapa Nui, preserving the cultural spirit that defines Easter Island’s most important annual celebration.

Queen candidate selection process for Tapati Rapa Nui 2027
Candidates were evaluated in several traditional Rapanui disciplines

Following the evaluations held on April 24 and 25, 2026, the organization officially announced the two candidates who will compete for the title of Tapati Rapa Nui 2027 Queen: Haukena Mella Tuki and Mihiꞌua Pakomio Rapu.

Both candidates will lead their respective family alliances throughout the festival’s traditional competitions, artistic performances, and sporting events, continuing one of the most cherished cultural traditions of Rapa Nui (Easter Island). Their selection officially marks the beginning of the journey toward crowning the next Tapati Queen, in a celebration where preserving and passing on the island’s cultural heritage remains the true focus.

How Does the Tapati Rapa Nui 2027 Competition Work?

Tapati Rapa Nui 2027 is much more than a festival—it is the largest cultural celebration on Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and the island’s most important event dedicated to preserving its ancestral traditions. For nearly two weeks, entire families compete on behalf of the official queen candidates through more than forty events that showcase traditional knowledge, physical abilities, artistic talent, and cultural heritage passed down through generations.

Kai Kai competition during Tapati.
Kai Kai tells ancestral stories through intricate string figures.

Each queen candidate earns points through the performances of her family alliance. At the end of Tapati Rapa Nui 2027, the candidate with the highest overall score is crowned ‘Ariki Vahine, the Queen of Tapati. The competitions are divided into three main categories that reflect the richness and diversity of Rapanui culture.

Traditional Sporting Competitions

Many of the sporting events recreate ancient survival skills and physical challenges that were once part of everyday life on Rapa Nui.

Among the most iconic is the Haka Pei, where competitors slide down the steep slopes of Pu’i Hill at remarkable speeds while riding tied banana trunks. Another highlight is the Vaka Ama, the traditional Polynesian outrigger canoe race that celebrates the island’s deep maritime heritage.

Other competitions include bareback horse racing at Vaihu, underwater fishing and spearfishing, traditional surfing events such as Haka Honu and Haka Ngaru, as well as endurance and strength challenges inspired by ancestral practices.

Haka Pei competition during Tapati
Haka Pei is one of the festival’s most spectacular competitions.

Music, Dance and Traditional Arts

Music and dance are at the heart of Tapati Rapa Nui. Throughout the festival, family alliances perform traditional dances, ancestral chants such as ‘Ūtē and Riu, theatrical performances based on Rapanui oral traditions, and Takona, the ancient art of body painting using natural pigments.

Visitors can also experience Kai Kai, the remarkable practice of creating intricate string figures while narrating legends and stories that have been preserved for generations. Together, these performances showcase the creativity, history, and living traditions of Easter Island.

Traditional dance competition during Tapati 2027
Music and dance are at the heart of Tapati.

Traditional Crafts and Ancestral Knowledge

Another essential part of Tapati Rapa Nui 2027 focuses on traditional craftsmanship and cultural knowledge.

Family alliances compete in disciplines such as wood and stone carving, mahute fiber processing, weaving with natural plant fibers, making traditional flower crowns, creating ceremonial costumes, and preparing ancestral dishes including the traditional umu tahu, an underground earth oven still used today.

Traditional crafts competition during Tapati 2027.
Traditional craftsmanship remains a cornerstone of Tapati.

These competitions celebrate the techniques, skills, and knowledge that continue to be passed from one generation to the next, helping preserve the cultural identity of Rapa Nui.

More than simply determining a festival queen, Tapati Rapa Nui 2027 brings together children, young people, adults, and elders in a shared effort to safeguard one of the Pacific’s most extraordinary living cultures.

If you’d like to discover what the festival looked like last year, be sure to read our recap of the opening days of Tapati Rapa Nui 2026.

Official Tapati Rapa Nui 2027 Poster Competition

The official Tapati Rapa Nui 2027 poster contest is currently open, with submissions accepted until July 20, 2026. The organizing committee recently extended the deadline to encourage more artists to participate.

Official Tapati Rapa Nui 2027 poster contest.
Each edition features an official poster created by local artists.

The winning design becomes the official image of the festival and is featured across promotional campaigns, printed programs, official merchandise, and digital communications. Over the years, Tapati posters have become part of the island’s visual heritage, with many local artists contributing original works inspired by Rapa Nui’s culture, traditions, and identity.

Contest guidelines and updates are published through the festival’s official social media channels.

When Will the Official Tapati Rapa Nui 2027 Program Be Released?

The official Tapati Rapa Nui 2027 schedule has not yet been published. Traditionally, the complete program is released approximately three months before the festival begins, once organizers have finalized competition dates, performance venues, and event schedules.

Tapati Rapa Nui 2027 cultural events.
The official schedule is usually released a few months before the festival.

Since Tapati Rapa Nui is an outdoor festival held across different locations on Easter Island (Rapa Nui), some activities may occasionally be rescheduled due to weather conditions or organizational requirements. For this reason, visitors are encouraged to follow the official communication channels throughout the weeks leading up to the festival for the latest updates.

In the meantime, you can follow the latest announcements through the festival’s official Instagram account @tapatirapanui, as well as local news outlets across Rapa Nui, which regularly publish schedule updates, announcements, and important festival information.

Tips for Visiting During Tapati Rapa Nui 2027

If you’re planning to experience Tapati Rapa Nui 2027, the most important piece of advice is simple: plan your trip early.

Visitors enjoying Tapati Rapa Nui 2027 Easter Island.
Planning ahead is the best way to experience Tapati.

As the island’s largest cultural celebration, February is also the busiest travel season on Easter Island (Rapa Nui). Flights, accommodations, and tours often sell out months in advance.

Here are our recommendations based on years of welcoming visitors to the island:

  • Book your flights as early as possible: Flights between Santiago and Easter Island are limited, and demand increases dramatically as Tapati Rapa Nui 2027 approaches. Booking several months in advance usually provides better availability and lower fares.
  • Reserve your accommodation well in advance: Hanga Roa, the island’s only town, offers a limited number of hotels, cabins, and guesthouses. During Tapati, many accommodations reach full occupancy months before the festival begins, so early reservations provide the widest selection and the best prices.
  • Purchase your Rapa Nui National Park ticket before traveling: Entry to the island’s main archaeological sites—including Rano Raraku, Ahu Tongariki, and Orongo—requires a valid Rapa Nui National Park admission ticket.
  • For the fastest and easiest experience, we recommend purchasing it online before your trip through the official websites: rapanuinationalpark.com or www.tur.com. After completing your purchase, you’ll receive a PDF containing your QR code, which will be scanned when entering the archaeological sites.
Visitors enjoying Tapati Rapa Nui 2027 Easter Island
Thousands of visitors travel to Easter Island each year to experience Rapanui culture.
  • Reserve your tours before arriving: Private tours also have limited availability during Tapati Rapa Nui 2027. At Easter Island Travel, we offer personalized private experiences with bilingual local guides, hotel pick-up and drop-off, and complimentary bottled water. We also coordinate our itineraries around the festival schedule, allowing you to explore the island’s archaeological sites without missing the day’s competitions and cultural performances. At the end of each tour, we can even drop you off directly at the Tapati venues so you can continue enjoying the festival.
  • Stay for at least five nights: A stay of five nights or longer gives you enough time to visit the island’s major archaeological sites while also enjoying several days of Tapati competitions, cultural performances, and community celebrations without rushing.
  • Experience Tapati respectfully: Tapati is first and foremost a celebration created by—and for—the Rapanui community. Please follow event guidelines, respect restricted areas, and always ask permission before taking close-up photographs of participants during cultural performances or ceremonial activities.
Guía de Easter Island Travel con visitantes en bote en mitad del océano pacífico visitando los islotes frente a Rano Kau en Isla de Pascua
Easter Island Travel team on a private tour visiting the islets on our boat trip.

If you’re planning to experience Tapati Rapa Nui 2027, we’d be delighted to help you discover the island through our private tours, carefully designed to fit around the festival schedule so you can enjoy the very best of both Rapa Nui’s archaeology and its living culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • When is Tapati Rapa Nui 2027? Tapati Rapa Nui 2027 will take place from January 30 to February 12, 2027, celebrating the 59th edition of Easter Island’s most important cultural festival.
  • Is Tapati Rapa Nui 2027 free to attend? Yes. Most Tapati Rapa Nui 2027 performances, competitions, concerts, and cultural events are free and open to the public. However, visiting archaeological sites such as Rano Raraku, Orongo, and Ahu Tongariki requires a valid Rapa Nui National Park admission ticket.
  • Can tourists participate in Tapati Rapa Nui? Visitors are welcome to attend the festival, support one of the competing family alliances, and enjoy the many public events held throughout the celebration. The official competitions themselves, however, are reserved for members of the Rapanui community and the participating families.
  • When will the official Tapati Rapa Nui 2027 schedule be published? The complete Tapati Rapa Nui 2027 program is typically released around three months before the festival begins. Please note that some activities may be rescheduled due to weather conditions or organizational requirements. We will update this guide as soon as the official schedule is announced. In the meantime, you can follow updates through the official Instagram account @tapatirapanui and local media outlets in Rapa Nui.
  • Is Tapati the best time to visit Easter Island? That depends on the type of experience you’re looking for. If your goal is to experience Rapa Nui’s living culture, witness ancestral competitions, and immerse yourself in the island’s most important annual celebration, Tapati Rapa Nui 2027 is undoubtedly the best time to visit. If you prefer quieter archaeological sites and fewer visitors, the months between April and November generally offer a more relaxed travel experience.
Travel to Rapa Nui – Easter Island: 2026 Master Guide
Rapa Nui National Park: protection, heritage, and living culture
Tapati Rapa Nui Sports: Living History, Identity, and Culture in Motion