The local South Pacific Dance Company stopped by the Merced City Council meeting on Monday night in what has become an annual tradition. Some of the student dancers put on a short performance for leaders and the community to provide a taste of what’s to come this Friday, Saturday and Sunday; March 21-23, as part of the 44th annual Kiki Raina Tahiti Fete at Golden Valley High School.
The event — unique to Merced — is the longest existing Tahitian dance and cultural festival outside of French Polynesia.
“We have people coming from all over the world — Hawaii, Tahiti, Mexico, France, Washington,” said Auntie Becky, the founder of the event. “The hotels on the side by Golden Valley High School are all full. We have people down here at the El Capitan Hotel. So we bring about $500,000 of rollover economy into the city of Merced this weekend.”
There will be extraordinary dance competitions with people of all ages entering various performance categories. The music is performed live by musicians, including top drum groups in the genre. Island-style food will also be available throughout the weekend as well as Polynesian craft booths straight from Hawaii and the Polynesian diaspora of California.
All the festivities will be held at Golden Valley, located at 2121 E. Childs Ave, in Merced.
Ticket information: Ages 13 and up, $25 advanced sale, $30 at door; children 5-12, $20 advanced sale, $25 at the door. Tickets to the indoor dance competitions are limited.
For more info, go online to: kikiraina.com.
