Festivals

Celebrations are an excellent time to see local culture at its best and Vanuatu has some unique experiences to offer.  Some festivals like the St Andrew's Day and Rah Island Canoe Race allow you to participate with the locals.  Vanuatu is rich in cultural festivals not seen anywhere else in the world, ranging from the death defying Pentecost Land Diving (nagol), to the colorful and powerful Tanna Toka Dance which goes on for days (a biannual event with late notice for confirmed dates), the mystical Rom dance of Ambrym Island of magic and fire, and Water Music custom festival performed by the women of Gaua Island. You don't want to miss this opportunity of a lifetime to experience and witness some of the world's most rarest cultural festivals and rituals, all happening in the islands of Vanuatu.

Rah and Mota Lava Festival Highlights

Vanuatu Custom Travel is proud to promote special local events on the Vanuatu tribal experience calendar set on beautiful Rah and Mota Lava islands.  This is a magical place hidden from the modern world.  You can relax and unwind, explore land or sea.  Take part in the unique traditional fishing event for St Andrew’s Day.  Enjoy custom dancing, a swim or canoe race, meet local people and do unique tours and bush walks.  Festivals are an exciting time to see rare and genuine local culture and customs.

Festival Event Calendar

January 25                    St Paul’s Day                                                              - Rah & Mota Lava islands

April 7                          Nagol Land Diving begins    *Every Saturday*               - Pentecost Island

May (TBC)                    Nere Festival                                                               - Mota Lava Island

June 11                        St Barnabas Day                                                         - Rah & Mota Lava islands

June 30                        Nagol Land Diving finishes                                           - Pentecost Island

July 19-20                    Custom Magic Festival                                                  - Ambrym Island

August 22-24                Back To My Roots Festival                                            - Ambrym Island

August 24                     St Bartholomew’s Day                                                - Rah & Mota Lava islands

September 1                 Twin Waterfall Festival                                                - Vanua Lava Island

September 2                 Rah Island Canoe Race    *Highly recommended*          - Rah Island

November 1                  All Saints Day                                                              - Rah & Mota Lava islands

November 30                St Andrew’s Day              *Very highly recommended*   - Rah Island

December 25                Christmas Day                   *Highly recommended*         - Rah & Mota Lava islands

December 31                New Year’s Eve                                                            - Rah & Mota Lava islands

Rah Island Canoe Race

September 2   

The Rah Island Canoe Race offers guests the opportunity to watch or participate in a fun lagoon swim race or a friendly outrigger canoe race around Rah Island.  You will experience warm hospitality, custom dancing and cultural festivities unique to the Banks region in this very picturesque part of Vanuatu. Sailors are welcome to visit for the day.  Book early!

Saint Andrew’s Day Cultural Festival

November 30

The Saint Andrew’s Day Cultural Festival is very special event.  It includes 3 days of extraordinary and authentic cultural activities in a truly stunning location. (This is no exaggeration.) Only on Rah Island can guests participate with the local community in an ancient fishing technique using vines and coconut leaves, bows and arrows, to catch your dinner.  Also witness the rare and powerful combination of custom dancing and gospel church choir. Book early!