Easter Island Statues, Chile

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World Tour - Day 18 - February 13, 2007

The Rapa Nui culture was celebrated throughout New7Wonders World Tour visit to Easter Island, with the highlight being the rich ceremony to celebrate the Moai's status as finalists. The annual Tapati Rapa Nui summer festival was the backdrop for the stop in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. After a very well-attended press conference at the town hall with Mayor Pedro Edmunds Paoa, the celebration moved to the coast. Traditionally dressed Rapa Nui, the men with dark earthen skin markings, flew large New7Wonders kites above the massive Moai statues.

This elegant performance was followed by Rapa Nui dancers moving compellingly to the beat of drums and the strains of ukeleles. Mayor Paoa and the Chief of the Council of Elders, Alberto Hotus, accepted the certificate of candidacy from Bernard Weber.

The festivities continued in the evening with an oceanside feast of grilled island specialties, hosted by Mayor Paoa. The New7Wonders team was moved, as during their entire stay on Easter Island, by the wisdom and serenity exuded by the island and its people.

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