'Emmanuel Bouquet': Macron’s flower-covered arrival goes viral

Emmanuel Macron received an unforgettable welcome in French Polynesia — and the internet cannot stop talking about it.

During his arrival in Tahiti, the French president was greeted with an overwhelming number of traditional flower garlands, known locally as “hei.” The sheer volume of leis placed around his neck quickly turned the moment into a viral spectacle, with his upper body almost completely covered in flowers. At one point, viewers joked you could barely see him anymore.

In Polynesian culture, these garlands are a symbol of affection, respect, and hospitality. Typically made from fragrant tiare flowers, the hei represents a heartfelt gesture of honour for visiting guests and reflects the region’s deep-rooted traditions of warmth and generosity.

While the gesture itself carried cultural significance, social media had its own take on the moment. Users flooded comment sections with jokes, with one calling him “Emmanuel Bouquet,” while another quipped, “I’m sure he feels very bonita.” Others joked there was still “room for one more” garland.

The lighthearted reactions, combined with the striking visual of Macron almost hidden beneath layers of flowers, helped the moment quickly gain traction online — turning a traditional welcome into an unexpectedly viral highlight.