6th Annual North Ambrym Custom Festival
20th - 22nd August 2008 

Note: This programme outlines custom festivals for this year in each village nasaras in north Ambrym. Entrance fees are also included.

Halhal Fantor
Olal Area, north Ambrym

Come and see the traditional custom of north Ambrym. Ambrym is oftne referred to as the Black Island, not only for its two awe-inspiring volcanoes, but is black magic as well. This custom magic, as well as custom grade taking ceremonies, are alive and still practised today in north Ambrym. Along with its amazing traditional magic, and vibrant rituals, north Ambrym is home to the best wood carvings in all of Vanuatu. Come and support local custom chiefs, and ni-Vanuatu men and women from North Ambrym, in celebrating their culture and preserving it for future generations.

Program for the 3 days events at Halhal Fantor Nasara:

Wednesday 20 August: 11am Opening ceremony (Hipipirrhan). 12 midday - Pato Dance. 1pm Custom dance for women, flute demonstrations. 2pm Weikone, dances performed during circumcisions. 2000vt per person
Thursday 21 August: 9am Taour. 9.30am Women's custom dance, 10am Custom Magic demonstrations, 10.30am Lepia Dance, 1pm Food Preparations. 3000vt per person.
Friday 22 August: 9am Namamki Grade ceremony. 10am Childrens Games demonstrations, 10.30am Sand Drawing Demonstrations. 1pm Rom Dance, 4pm Official Closing ceremony Bata Dance. 5000vt per person.
There is a special package fee of 7,000vt per person includes all 3 days events.  

Wow
Visit a sacred place: 500vt / person

Neoha Harkon
5000vt includes Opening of 'tambu' house (Melkon), Rom Dance, Pato (initiation of tabu masks ceremony). 1 hour walk from from Olal Nasara. 
 
Magam
Dugong – Canoe Trip: 500vt

Tawor
ROM Dance (Masks) and visit Flying Fox Nambanga: 1,500vt

Ferapang
Visit of an ancient burial ground. Walk through the rainforest: 1,500vt

Melbera
6000vt includes Opening of 'tambu' house ( Mel ne Luan), Namangi Ceremony (Wur Wur) 8th Chiefs stage. 1 hour walk from from Olal Nasara.

Ranmili
5000vt includes Opening of 'tambu' house (Melkon), Rom Dance, custom Magic. 45 minutes walk from from Olal Nasara.

Farereo
5000vt includes Opening of 'tambu' house (Melkon), Rom Dance, custom Magic. 30 minutes walk from from Olal Nasara.

Fansar
The Original Tamtam Traditional Music: 500vt

Bogonu
5000vt includes Opening of 'tambu' house (Melkon Tofor), Rom Dance. 1 hour walk from from Olal Nasara.

Melwar
Visit to Cave: 1km

Lolipwe
Nakamal (Custom Chiefs House): 5,500vt

Fonwor
Waterfall: 2500vt

South-East
Visit to Volcano (2hours walk): 3000vt

For bookings and more information, please do not hesitate to contact Chief Soasang Kilvan on (678) 48444 or (678) 48631. French speakers can call Chief Joachin Teter Sekor on (678) 48631. Our Port Vila contact is Reynold on mobile (678) 74674.