Ballet Folklorico Bali Hai from Mexico won overall at the 2014 Tahiti Fete of Hilo. With more than 100 dancers, the group won in every major category of Tahitian dance and music. Dancers filled the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in perfect choreography. The group brought 200 people to Hilo from their home town of Cuautitlan Izcalli. Three other groups from Mexico also performed at the event.
Second place winners and Hilo favorite, Merahi Productions of Keaukaha also won big. Their depiction of Pele and Kamapuaa in stunning red and black costumes was eye-catching and vibrant. The audience was spellbound as the performance also included a volcano prop to add to the dramatic theme. In addition to Hawaii Island and Mexico, the Tahiti Fete featured dance companies from Oahu, Chicago and San Francisco. Despite the rain and high temperatures, more than 1,200 people attended the two-day event. Producer, Pua Tokumoto said the next Tahiti Fete of Hilo competition will be held in 2016.