{"id":357,"date":"2026-01-06T17:55:20","date_gmt":"2026-01-06T17:55:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.easterisland.travel\/blog\/?p=357"},"modified":"2026-01-06T18:50:12","modified_gmt":"2026-01-06T18:50:12","slug":"tapati-rapa-nui-2026-candidates-rehearsals-and-living-culture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.easterisland.travel\/blog\/tapati-rapa-nui-2026-candidates-rehearsals-and-living-culture\/","title":{"rendered":"Tapati Rapa Nui 2026: candidates, rehearsals and living culture"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The Tapati Rapa Nui Festival<\/a><\/strong> is much more than a celebration\u2014it is the time of year when Easter Island expresses its identity, history and strong community spirit at its fullest. With Tapati Rapa Nui 2026<\/strong>, taking place from February 3 to 14, 2026<\/strong>, the island has already begun its preparations, and one of the most anticipated milestones is the start of the dance rehearsals supporting the queen candidates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article is designed for both travelers visiting Easter Island and the general public, aiming to share up\u2011to\u2011date information, foster cultural connection, and show how Tapati is truly lived long before the official festival dates<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Two candidates, one shared cultural passion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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For Tapati Rapa Nui 2026, the island will be represented by two queen candidates<\/strong>, each supported by their families, teams and communities:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heilany Rapu Hito<\/strong>
Instagram: https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/heilany_hr<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heremeta Teao Manutomatoma<\/strong>
Instagram: https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/hheremeta._<\/strong>\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both candidates have already begun an intense preparation process involving dance, music, physical training, costume creation, teamwork and strong community involvement\u2014elements that embody the true essence of Tapati.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Source: Tapati Rapa Nui<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Dance rehearsals begin: from January 5, 2026<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Dance rehearsals officially started on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 5:00 PM<\/strong>, marking one of the first moments when the Tapati spirit becomes visible and tangible across the island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each candidate has a designated rehearsal location:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heilany Rapu Hito rehearsals<\/strong>
\ud83d\udccd Koro Paina Kori Gymnasium<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heremeta Teao Manutomatoma rehearsals<\/strong>
\ud83d\udccd Liceo Lorenzo Baeza Vega<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the weeks leading up to Tapati, these venues become vibrant cultural meeting points where traditions are shared, knowledge is passed on and new participants are warmly welcomed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Source: Tapati Rapa Nui<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Dance categories: participation by age group<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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As is tradition during Tapati Rapa Nui, rehearsals are organized into three age\u2011based categories, allowing different generations to take part:<\/p>\n\n\n\n