Rapa Nui
HistoryRapa Nui’s past is reconstructed from archaeology, radiocarbon dating, oral tradition, and early written accounts—sources that do not always agree.CultureContemporary Rapa Nui culture is a living mix of Polynesian roots, island-specific practices, Chilean institutions, and global connections.Tapati Rapa NuiTapati Rapa Nui is the island's big February cultural festival: for about two weeks the community splits into two competing sides (often remembered as alliances of extended families), each backing a queen candidate. Judges award points across dozens of traditional and creative contests; the side with the highest total wins, and its candidate is crowned queen. It began as a local celebration of ancestry and identity and is now world-famous—yet it is still run for islanders first, with visitors welcome as guests.National parkRapa Nui National Park protects archaeological sites, villages, volcanic craters, and coastlines where moai, ahu, and living Rapa Nui heritage meet.