Traditional Kastom Festivals

Kastom, also known as custom or tradition, is an undeniable part of the lives of people that have passed through a historical process of colonization. Although term has changed its naming due to religious influences over centuries, the culture handed from generation to generation still maintains its indigenous root. The Yumi ol hand hand work before the coming of The Prayer Book under the term Christianity, or later The Office of the Catechumens, but the two have only been separated by their belief system. In Vanuatu, celebrations that have a kastom element, and are mainly held in remote villages or on islands that are not so corrupted by the hand of modernization or tourism are promulgated as Kastom Festivals. These festivals provide a glimpse into the past, the rich history of the island and the customs and traditions of its people.

These days, when most celebrations or festivals come with a price tag attached, Kastom Festivals are widely celebrated and promoted by the Vanuatu Tourism Office, so travelers can take a fairly easy route to experience authentic cultural festival.

Celebrated by all, Kastom Festivals are hosted throughout the year by different islands, and if you happen to be in Vanuatu during any of these festivals, you don’t want to miss out on the thrill, the music, the dance and the life lessons that they offer.

From music to dance and yams to yams competitions, Kastom Festivals represent Vanuatu’s cultural heritage and the integral history on how Ni-Vanuatu came into being, presenting an opportunity for locals and travelers alike to join in the festivities and learn about the traditional ways of the island.

One of the most impressive Kastom Festivals is Pentecost Island’s annual Naghol that takes place on every Saturday between April and June.

Naghol or land diving is an ancient ritual that was used to bless the yam harvest and also to anticipate a good growing season. Today, it is a dynamite event that attracts everyone who wants an adrenaline rush, as young men hurl themselves from a 20-30 meter tall tower, tied at their ankle with vines, to show their fearlessness and prove their manhood.

Another cherished Kastom Festival celebrated on Pentecost island is Toka that comes right after the Naghol ceremony. As men engage in the daring Naghol ritual, Toka allows women to showcase their beauty, dancing skills and their affection towards the men.

Unlike Naghol that stays popular among tourists and is known for its death defying descent from the tower, Toka is mainly a local festival, though travelers are more than welcome to participate in the festivities.

Another well-known Kastom Festival destination is the village of Ban central on Tanna island, where every year John Frum Day is celebrated on February 15. A truly bizarre yet amazing event that commemorates a strange religion that is still practiced by residents on the island.

John Frum is a figure that appeared back in 1930s in Vanuatu and is considered a kind of messiah by the followers of the John Frum cult. The belief is that John Frum came as a vision to save the people of the island from slavery and that he will return with gifts to those that believe in him.

Every year, locals paint themselves with red volcanic ash and dress up in US army attires, march with fake rifles and perform ritual speeches to re-live the legend and fulfill the prophecy.

Kastom Festivals on Tanna island however, are not limited to just John Frum Day, with Tanna being something of a cultural hub. Here, people live in what is known as ‘Kastom Villages’, abandoned by colonizers, where the culture has experienced almost no change.

If you want to experience island Kastom to its fullest, the banks of Port Olry in Santo island, rank on the top of the list. This village invites everyone to visit during the Tomba Kastom Dance Festival, an annual event that aims to celebrate creation through dance, music, food and staying together as a community.

Tomba means ‘bird, but Tomba could be translated as survive. During the event, the local community invites guest from neighboring islands and also the mainland to join in on the three days of the Tomba Kastom Dance Festival.

People that visit Port Olry during this festival are treated to customary and cultural rituals, including the head villagers performing an ancient war dance, eating of local food and the natural beauty of the island, with coconut trees and a breathtaking beach.

As the months pass, Kastom Festivals in Vanuatu just keep coming with each one precipitating interesting stories, dances and events.

Experiencing each bit of these traditional festivals, which in many ways play a pivotal role in keeping Vanuatu’s cultural heritage alive, or at least what remains of it, should be on your to-do list when you visit one of the most beautiful places on earth.

#Tradition #Kastom #Festivals #VanuatuCulture #IslandLife