Photos: Tahiti Fete wraps up 4-day celebration in San Jose

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Dancers from Makamae Melia ‘O Polynesia dance during the 26th Tahiti Fete of San Jose at the San Jose Civic Center in downtown San Jose, Calif., on Monday, July 3, 2023. San Jose Civic was the original home of the first Tahiti Fete of San Jose in 1990. The Fete highlights Polynesian culture, particularly Tahitian, and helps foster camaraderie amongst dance and music companies. (Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group)

Tahiti Fete of San Jose, said to be the biggest Tahitian dance competition in the U.S., just wrapped up its 26th celebration.

This year’s event featured dancers from the United States, Europe and Mexico. Tahia Cambet School of Dance traveled from France, while Kawailehua Hula Ohana danced in their home city of San Jose. In total about 50 groups performed during the four-day event.

Polynesian and Tahitian vendors were outside the auditorium selling arts and crafts, and Tahitian language and dance workshops were offered at San Jose Civic and the San Jose Marriott Hotel.

Pua Tokumoto, who started the festival as a one-night celebration at the Civic Center, has seen it grow into a four-day affair.

The festival, which began in 1990 at San Jose Civic, returned to its first home after moving to San Jose State, then being on hiatus for a few years. Tahiti Fete highlights Polynesian culture, primarily Tahitian, and helps build camaraderie among dance groups.