The “Matavaa O Te Fenua Enana” or the Marquesas Art & Culture Festival, is a unique art and cultural event, not for tourists but rather for the Ma’ohi people who come together from all over the Pacific, normally in July.

This festival encourages its youth to approach the Tuhuka (wise-men) of the islands to be trained in the ancient traditions and culture of the islands.

The festival re-occurs every 4 years on one of the three most populated Marquesas Islands. The festival rotates between the islands of Ua Pou, Nuku Hiva, and Hiva Oa.

The last festival took place on Fatu Hiva in July 2022 and was the 13th event.