French Polynesia Culture

Despite attempts by early missionaries to stamp out Polynesian cultures, many of the traditional ways survived. Recently there’s been a strong push to revive old ways and rediscover traditional arts. Music is very important in traditional culture and traditional instruments include pahu and toere drums and a nose flute called a vivo. Guitars and ukuleles made their way into Polynesia via European settlers and the locals developed a unique style that owes much to country and western music.

French Polynesia is very relaxed - dress standards are relaxed even in the classiest restaurants and beach wear is often island wear. Church and religion are very important on the islands. Christianity is the main religion with a majority (54%) belonging to various Protestant churches and a large minority (30%) being Roman Catholic.

French Polynesia has a unique culinary tradition, which is a mix old South Pacific cooking methods along with French, Italian, and Chinese styles. Food is still cooked in traditional pit ovens. The food is wrapped in banana leaves, placed on top, and then the hole is filled in with dirt. The baking process takes several hours.

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