Tisa's Barefoot Bar

Nude Fridays? Just Kidding

With an appreciation for rumors and a twinkle in her eye, Tisa began a tradition she calls "Nude Friday".

Hosted under the full moon each month, people are still coming from far and wide to see it for themselves. We'll let you in on the secret (since it doesn't spoil the fun): Nude Friday is a "Po Ula Night".

Po Ula is a Samoan tradition meaning 'Just Kidding'. In ancient Samoan tradition, Po Ula took place on the full moon, at farewell gatherings where visitors and hosts alike challenge and taunt each other with suggestive dancing, and that sometimes ended up under a fau tree on the beach. Tisa tells us that Po Ula was wild and crazy, but it was also a part of the Samoan bond with nature. All that, of course, changed when the missionaries arrived.

Says Tisa: "The two things the missionaries sent out of the fale were bare breasted women and Po Ula - too bad in both cases!" Tisa confides mischievously: "The truth is, I created "Nude Friday" in the tradition of Po Ula night because....sex sells. Now although a lot of fun is had at Tisa's Po Ula nights....whether people take their clothes off or not is something you'll have to come and see for yourself. One thing is sure; everyone has a laugh and a good time. And with the wisdom of a child, Tisa's seven year old grandson succinctly sums up Po Ula night as "people acting like monkeys."

Po Ula Friday (Nude Friday), when the full moon falls on a Friday (+/- 1 day).

"Moonrise Friends" (Po Ula Night)
	Full moon rises beyond blackness While boys round a bonfire dance Celebrating silver light and friendship Waves crash and white foam churns A perfect accompaniment Daoists, Mormons, Catholics and Kiwis Share salvaged philosophies Under soft moonlight and glowing lanterns Sipping on something like a mudslide Lingering over forgotten beer Laughter shimmers like the moon on the water Beauty of the moment twines around us Like smoke from hand rolled cigarettes And boys laughter from the fire
	Marisa 1996

In modern times, Tisa has updated this ancient rite a bit. After all, you couldn’t order and Illusion from Candyman and listen to dance music on a sound system back then. And it’s become popularly known in some corners now as Nude Friday. But the night often still carries much of the flavor of ancient days in other ways. A Samoan Feast is prepared, there is entertainment, and other activities are provided (email for info on plans for upcoming nights). And the bonfire is still lit on the beach at midnight.

Of course, Tisa can’t supply all of the ingredients for the evening. It’s the interesting mix of people that define the memories of the night. There is always a variety of faces, from all around the world. Gathered on the beach, around the campfire at night, talking about whatever as the rising moon casts it’s glow across over the water. Friends for the evening, whether native to the island or from far away, whether host or visitor. You’re invited to create your own memories of a crazy, lovely, moonlit night.