Vanuatu 2006 Cultural Festivals

 

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.

Strong banyan vines are tied around the ankle before leaping

Nagol/Pentecost Land Diving
April to June 2006

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

 The leap of faith..a diver takes his plunge
First Erromango Arts Festival Erromango Arts Festival
June 2006 DTBA



Soon to be adviced by the Vanuatu Cultural Center. 		The art of weaving
Fanla Rom dancers Fanla Arts Festival
July 20th - 21st

Fanla Arts Festival, Ambrym Island. Rom Dance performance, grade taking ceremonies, magic shows and a delicious island feast. Contact pippamatt@vanuatu.com.vu.
Women's custom dance in north Ambrym Back to My Roots north Ambrym Mini Arts Festival
August 2006 16th - 18th  

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 on (678) 48631. Olal village, Ambrym.		 Rom Dance - a highlight for the festival
tanna custom dance 2nd National Sand-drawing Festival
August 2006 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		 The story of a bird
Snake Dance Twin Waterfall Festival
September 2006 DTBA

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		 Sarasota Twin Waterfall in all its splendor
Witness the unique Big Nambas dance Annual Nahai Cultural Centre Day
October 2006 DTBA


A Cultural Revival among the Nahai people, south Malekula Island...more coming soon.		 Malekula's still vibrant and rich in its culture and tradition
A display corner at VKS Culture Center Culture Day
November 2006 DTBA
 Tamtams

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