French Polynesia's government has marked autonomy day with the president Edouard Fritch attending celebrations in both Bora Bora and Papeete.
Edouard Fritch Photo: Supplied/ Présidence de la Polynésie française
The pro-independence opposition on the other hand continues to mark 29 June as a day of mourning, remembering the former kingdom's annexation by France in 1880.
Mr Fritch has hailed the territory's autonomy as the best institutional framework, saying the last election showed that this was backed by a majority of voters.
He also said it has allowed French Polynesia to join the Pacific Islands Forum and interact with other Pacific countries as equals.
He said the autonomy status allows French Polynesia to live its culture and affirm its identity.
Mr Fritch also said the status allows French Polynesia to have the protection of a great nation like France.
