In the shadow of the Maru Maru.
Avenue Pouvanaa a Oopa, formerly Avenue Bruat , runs alongside the historic, political and administrative quarter of Papeete. The avenue is shaded from the sun by majestic, 100 year-old Maru Maru (Albizia saman or Rain Trees) and is one of the prettiest avenues in the capital. Named after the patriarch of French Polynesian autonomy Pouvanaa a Oopa who died in 1977, the avenue is closed to traffic during public festivities such as the parade for the national holiday, held on July 14, each year.
