Generations ago, 'olgeta abu's livelihood was based solely on custom and tradition. Hence, today Vanuatu's culture
is still very much alive and abundant in all the islands as traditions continue to be shared from a grandfather to the
descendants. Below is a list of cultural festivals which serve the purpose of maintaining traditional values. 
Visitors are most welcome to witness and be part of these not-to-miss custom rituals.

	Nagol/Pentecost Land Diving April to June 2007 Click here  for dates, nagol agents, and packages. "In the late afternoon, the last jump took place. The finale was by one of the most experienced divers in Pentecost. He's been diving for decades. He lunged from the tower confidently and landed safely. Everyone went wild....." Continue
	South West Bay Mini Arts Festival 1 May 15th - 16th 2007 Dancers painted and fully dressed in traditional costumes. Custom dancers, pig killing ceremony, Fire Beach Tour site - ‘Opening of Underwater Nakamal’. Ceremony of Traditional Custom Boat (Nowono Pone). Nemelkesa: blue fish dance, Nekuta Octopus dance. Nemeavas – Dance of the Spirit fish that once guarded underwater nakamal, and more. Contact George Thomson  - Ph (678) 48491.
	Fanla Arts Festival July 19th - 20th 2007 Fanla Arts Festival, Ambrym Island. Rom Dance performance, grade taking ceremonies, magic shows and a delicious island feast. Contact pippamatt@vanuatu.com.vu.
	Back to My Roots north Ambrym Mini Arts Festival  August 22nd - 24th 2007   Be smitten by the Rom dance, custom magic and island charm which Ambrym has to offer. Its all happening at the annual Back to My Roots Festival. Contact Joshua or Norbert on (678) 48631. Olal village, Ambrym.
	2nd National Sand-drawing Festival August 2007 DTBA    "Sand drawings are elegant geometric patterns produced directly on the ground which serve to transmit a wealth of traditional knowledge about local history, indigenous rituals and cosmologies, kinship systems, natural phenomena or farming techniques. Despite modern development and educatio....".  More information
	Mini Arts Festival, Sameou Village, South East Ambrym Reschedule for next year 2008    Sameou Village is hosting a Mini-Arts Festival from Friday the 24th to Tuesday 28th August of 2007. Participate in a volcano tour led by an experienced guide to the mysterious twin active volcanoes of Marum and Benbow which will be a breathtaking, life-long and adventurous experience never to be missed. Benbow is an impressive 2 km wide crater. Climbing the rim of Benbow crater is one of the greatest experiences in the South Pacific. Once on the rim of Benbow there are majestic views of the ash plain as well as into the huge crater. Come enjoy the traditional dances, local food preparation and tasting, hunting & gathering and listen to stories and the message translated into sand drawings, and learn about the vast wealth our forest holds. For more details, contact Mr. Olivier Fidelio @ the Vanuatu Trek on Tel. 27713/Fax 27713 or e-mail: trek@vanuatu.com.vu trek@vanuatu.com.vu
	Twin Waterfall Festival September 1st 2007 Mostly initiated for yachties but over the years, tourists have flown from Vila & Santo to the Banks Islands Group  to witness and be part of this 3 days magical event. Email: jeware_03@yahoo.com   WEBSITE
	South West Bay Mini Arts Festival 2 September 11th - 14th 2007 A Cultural Revival among the Mindua, Loorpaf, and Lopakalo communities, south west Malekula Island... Basket Weaving, traditional songs, mask dancing, visits to sacred sites, opening of a cultural school, and more. George Thomson  - Ph (678) 48491.
	Culture Center Culture Day November 2007 DTBA

For general inquiries on any of the festivals, email the Vanuatu Cultural Centre and National  Museum via
vks@vanuatu.com.vu or visit www.vanuatuculture.org

Definition olgeta abu's - the ancestor's