Vanuatu Festivals & Cultural Events

Bear witness as the bravest of the Vanuatu islanders take the plunge on Pentecost Island! This ancient Vanuatu ritual is world-famous and a definite must-see when visiting the islands. Influencing the invention of bungee jumping, the story behind land diving in Vanuatu is more than just adrenaline-pumping fun. Every year islanders spend up to seven weeks skillfully constructing the 20-30m tall towers out of native wood tightly bound together with homemade ropes. The ritual usually begins in April through until June when men and boys dive off the towers with nothing but vines tied to their ankles. Unlike bungee jumpers, land divers intentionally aim for their skin/hair to kiss the ground – sounds crazy, right? Don’t worry, the towers are well-thought-out structures that are skillfully built by the islanders so it’s safe. The ritual believes that this blesses the ground to bring a good harvest. Land diving is also a rite of passage ceremony for young boys, acting as their acceptance of manhood.

Taking place on Ambrym Island, the Fanla Festival is a must-see if you want to experience the authentic and energetic Rom custom of Vanuatu. Exclusively for males, hundreds of villagers gather in one of the oldest villages on the island, Fanla, for two non-stop days of dances, ceremonies, demonstrations, and more. Watching the Rom dancers is a spectacular experience – the ground vibrates beneath your feet with the rhythmic stomping of the dancers – and the dancers dress in flowing costumes and interesting masks.