Rapa Nui Language Day 2023
After the Tapati Rapa Nui Festival, the Mahana O Te Re’o Rapa Nui or Rapa Nui Language Day represents the second largest cultural event on Easter Island. It is a very emotional and special day for the Rapa Nui as it allows us to proudly show our desire to preserve a unique cultural identity through our language and ancient customs and traditions.
It all arose in the early 90s, when a group of teachers led by Virginia Haoa realized that only 10% of the students spoke the native language. Faced with the alarming danger of the possible disappearance of their mother tongue, they decide to create the Department of Rapa Nui Language and Culture, and establish the celebration of Rapa Nui Language Day to help preserve the language of their ancestors, a valuable legacy that identifies and differentiates the culture of Easter Island.
This annual celebration is an initiative that seeks to rescue the language through activities carried out by boys and girls from different schools, kindergartens and artistic groups. The language as a legacy is fundamental for the community, as it is part of the intangible heritage of the Rapa Nui culture.
The multiple activities take place in the Hanga Vare Vare sector.
There you can see dances where children show the work they have prepared for this day, related to the Rapa Nui culture.



