Capital polynesia: All you need to know about Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia
Introduction
French Polynesia, a French overseas territory, is made up of 118 islands scattered across the South Pacific. The capital of this country is Papeete, located on the island of Tahiti. Papeete is a fascinating place, with a colorful history and plenty of activities for visitors. In this article, we will explore in detail the Polynesian capital and all it has to offer.
The history of Papeete
Papeete was founded in 1818 by French Christian missionaries. At the time, the city was just a small fishing village. Papeete began to develop economically with the arrival of merchant ships. In 1842, France took control of Tahiti and made Papeete the capital of the French protectorate of Tahiti. Since then, Papeete has been the political, economic and cultural center of French Polynesia.
The geography of Papeete
Papeete is located on the northwest coast of Tahiti, the largest island in French Polynesia. The city covers an area of about 17 square kilometers and has nearly 30,000 inhabitants. Papeete is surrounded by majestic mountains and borders a crystal-clear lagoon.
Papeete attractions
Papeete is a dynamic city, offering many activities to visitors. Here are some of the best attractions:
- The Papeete market: Papeete’s market is a bustling place where visitors can buy local produce such as fresh fruit, fish, Tahitian pearls, and souvenirs.
- The Museum of Tahiti and the Islands: This museum offers exhibits on the history, culture and geology of French Polynesia.
- Bougainville Park: This public park is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the view of the port of Papeete.
- The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception: This Roman Catholic cathedral was built in 1875 and is one of Papeete’s most iconic buildings.
- Paofai Gardens: These botanical gardens are a nice place to stroll and take in the natural beauty of Tahiti.
The major events of Papeete
Papeete is known for its many festivals and events, some of which are world famous. Here are some of the most well-known events:
- The Heiva I Tahiti: This festival takes place every summer and celebrates Polynesian culture with dance, singing and woodcarving competitions.
- The Tahiti Pearl Festival: This annual festival celebrates the pearl industry of French Polynesia.
- The Papeete Christmas market: This annual market offers local handicrafts as well as traditional Christmas gifts.
Papeete’s kitchen
Papeete’s cuisine is a mix of Polynesian, French and Asian cultures. Tropical fruits, fresh fish and French bread are common ingredients in the local cuisine. Here are some of the most popular dishes in Papeete:
- Raw fish: This dish is also known as “Tahitian fish”. Raw fish consists of fresh fish diced and marinated in lime juice and shredded coconut.
- Chicken fafa: This dish consists of chicken cooked in a creamy spinach sauce.
- coconut bread: This French bread is flavored with coconut, a flavor reminiscent of French Polynesia.
Despite its distance from Paris, the capital of France, Papeete is a French overseas territory and therefore under the jurisdiction of the French government. The relationship between Papeete and Paris is close, with strong economic and political ties. The citizens of Papeete are French citizens, with all the rights and privileges that flow from it.
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Conclusion
Papeete is a charming and vibrant city that offers visitors a taste of Polynesian and French culture. With its many attractions, events and traditional dishes, Papeete is a place everyone should visit at least once in their life. We hope this article has given you an idea of what the Polynesian capital has to offer.