Back to my Roots Custom Festival 2008 in August

6th Annual North Ambrym Custom Festival: 20th - 22nd August 2008 Halhal Fantor, Olal Area, north Ambrym Come and see the traditional custom of north Ambrym. Ambrym is often 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. Cultural Activities & Costs:  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.