New Year's Day, or "Jour de l'An," in French Polynesia is a festive and widely celebrated holiday marking the beginning of the new year on January 1st. This day is an official public holiday across the islands, and it is a time for family gatherings, feasting, and joyous celebrations.

History and Traditions:

• Religious Services: Many Polynesians attend church services on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day to give thanks and pray for blessings in the coming year.
• Family Gatherings: Like in many parts of the world, families come together to celebrate with meals that may include traditional dishes such as poisson cru (raw fish marinated in lime juice and coconut milk), suckling pig, and taro root.
• Tamure Dance: The traditional Tahitian dance known as Tamure may be performed during festivities.
• Music: Music is an integral part of any celebration in French Polynesia, with ukuleles and guitars often accompanying singers in both modern and traditional songs.

Activities on New Year's Day:

• Beach Celebrations: Given the tropical climate, many people spend part of the day at the beach enjoying leisure activities such as swimming or canoeing.
• Feasting: Special meals are prepared, and some may include a maa tahiti, which is a traditional Tahitian feast cooked in an earth oven known as an ahima'a.
• Gift Exchange: It is customary to exchange gifts among family members as a gesture of goodwill for the new year.

Overall, New Year's Day in French Polynesia blends cultural traditions with modern festivities to welcome the start of another year.