Hinaupoko Devèze's First Experience in Morocco
Hinaupoko Devèze, the newly crowned Miss France 2026, recently shared her excitement about visiting Morocco for the first time during her stay in Marrakech. "This is my very first time in Morocco," she stated during an interview with Le360. "I have heard so much about it for a long time." Her statement reflects the allure and fascination that Morocco holds in the minds of many. Since being crowned six months ago, Devèze has been busy attending events across multiple continents, including a recent appearance at the Cannes Film Festival in May, and now, Marrakech.
The occasion for her visit to Morocco was the inaugural Marrakech Comedy Festival, which has drawn various Francophone personalities to its artistic programming. Devèze attended the festival for just one night and left the following morning, describing her arrival as one filled with warm hospitality: "Everywhere I went, I was welcomed with beautiful hospitality." This sentiment encapsulates the spirit of Moroccan culture, known for its rich traditions of generosity and warmth.
A Rising Star with a Purpose
Born on March 17, 2002, in Papeete, French Polynesia, Hinaupoko Devèze is the daughter of a Marquesan mother, who works as a caregiver, and a metropolitan French father, who is a physician. Her name, Hinaupoko, translates to "great goddess" in the Marquesan language. She has lived in various places, including French Polynesia, New Caledonia, and southern France, before returning to Tahiti in 2023. Devèze was crowned Miss Tahiti 2025 in the gardens of Pirae Town Hall and later won the Miss France 2026 title on December 6, 2025, in front of a staggering 7.7 million viewers at the Zenith in Amiens. This achievement makes her the sixth Miss Tahiti to win the Miss France title.
Hinaupoko Devèze has chosen to focus her reign on mental health awareness, a cause close to her heart after experiencing burnout during her law studies in 2020. Since her crowning, her public appearances have significantly increased, including her debut at the Cannes Film Festival on May 19, 2026, for the screening of Pedro Almodóvar's film, _Autofiction_. Her visit to Marrakech serves as another milestone in her busy reign, marked by a rigorous travel schedule.
The Marrakech Comedy Festival, which took place from June 4 to 6, 2026, at the Palais des Congrès, showcased a blend of Francophone and Arab humor, featuring some of the most talented comedians of the current generation. This festival signifies a new chapter in the history of humor in Morocco, returning in a revamped format after several years of absence. Under the leadership of Karim Debbouze and Malik Bentalha, the event relocated to the Palais des Congrès from its previous venue, the Palais Badii, with Hinaupoko Devèze as a distinguished guest.
During her time at the festival, Miss France 2026 reaffirmed the existing perceptions of Morocco. She did not arrive as a stranger to the culture but rather with culinary and linguistic knowledge shaped from afar. "Salam ‘alaykoum. I know how to say hello. I’m not sure if I say it well, but at least I can say that. For the rest, I don't want to butcher the language," she expressed. Her familiarity extends to Moroccan cuisine as well, as she fondly recalled enjoying traditional sweets like cornes de gazelle and makrout during Ramadan with friends back in France, as well as her appreciation for dishes like tajine and couscous.
Despite her brief visit, Hinaupoko Devèze acknowledged that her time in Morocco was limited. "I’m fortunate to only see Marrakech tonight because I’m leaving tomorrow morning," she mentioned, indicating the busy schedule that comes with her title. However, she expressed a desire to return: "I would love to come back to explore all the beautiful cities of Morocco." Her enthusiasm for discovering more of the country echoes the sentiments of many who have yet to experience the rich tapestry of Moroccan culture.
As reported by fr.le360.ma.
