Naghol (Land Diving)
Season or date: April–June weekends
Coming-of-age fertility ritual on Pentecost Island. Men leap from vine towers.
Festivals in Vanuatu
Discover traditional festivals and celebrations of this country
Festivals
Independence Day
Season or date: July 30
Independence celebration. Parades, traditional dances, and kava feasts across islands.
John Frum Day
Season or date: February 15
Cargo cult festival at Ipeukel village, Tanna. Famous military uniform march.
Father Lini Day
Season or date: February 21
National holiday honoring first Prime Minister Walter Lini.
Custom Chiefs' Day
Season or date: March 5
Cultural day celebrating chieftainship system. Tribal performances.
Port Vila Carnival
Season or date: November
Capital music and food stall festival.
Sand Drawing Festival
Season or date: August
Intangible heritage 'sand drawing' competition at Luganville, Sanma Province.
Kava Festival
Season or date: September
Regional kava tasting and evaluation. Traditional music all night.
Christmas Games
Season or date: December 25–26
Sports competitions on each island bustling with returning visitors.
New Year Yacht Race
Season or date: January 1
Traditional New Year regatta in Port Vila Bay.
Public holidays
- New Year's Day
- Father Lini Day
- Custom Chiefs' Day
- Good Friday
- Easter Monday
- Ascension Day
- Labour Day
- Children's Day
- Independence Day
- Assumption Day
- Constitution Day
- Unity Day
- Christmas (25th & 26th)