With the summer on its way, French Polynesia will soon be getting ready for Heiva, an annual festival that has become emblematic of Polynesian culture. “Heiva,” which comes from the Polynesian words meaning “to assemble” and “community places,” celebrates traditional Polynesian activities, including festivals, music, dancing, singing, and sporting events. In 1985, nearly a decade after French Polynesia gained more autonomy from France, Heiva officially replaced the Polynesian holiday of Tiurai.