Events and Festivals
Vanuatu communities are regularly hosting celebrations to keep their rich traditions alive, as well as modern events and festivals to attract an array of travellers.
Key events
- Land Diving: Pentecost Island – April to June, every Saturday
The Naghol land diving ritual (original bungee jumping) on the island of Pentecost is famous worldwide and a must see. - Vanuatu Open Water Swims: Port Vila, Efate – May 31, 2019
There are two distance options – 3.2km and 1.5km in the Vanuatu Open Water Swims. - Espiritu Santo Swim Week: May 30 to June 3, 2019
Espiritu Santo Swim Week is five days of swims and adventures on Vanuatu’s northern island. The main event is the Espiritu Santo Aore Swim, on Wednesday, June 1. - Fete de la Musique: Port Vila, Santo, Tanna and Malekula islands – 21 June 2019
The Fete de la Musique, also known as World Music Day, sees amateur and professional musicians from a wide range of genres take to the streets to perform for the public for free. - Vanuatu Golf Open: Port Vila, Efate – 27 September to 1st October 2019
The Vanuatu Golf Open has been played at The Port Vila Golf and Country Club for over 30 years and is sanctioned by the PGA of Australia.
- National Sand Drawing Festival: Epi Island – June – annual
See intricate motifs and perfect circles drawn in the sand using just one finger and get an insight into indigenous Vanuatu culture. - Fest’Napuan Music Festival: Efate – October 24-27 2019
Fest’Napuan is a free music festival based in Port Vila featuring local & international artists. - Rom Dance Festivals: Ambrym – July and August 2019
See the authentic and energetic Rom dance performed at Fanla Festival – Fanla Village, North Ambrym – 12th and 13th July 2019 and Back To My Roots Festival – Olal, North Ambrym – 14th, 15th and 16th August 2019 - Kiwanis Horse Race Day: Port Vila – August, 2019
The Kiwanis Charity Cup is the only horse race in Vanuatu and attracts a crowd of around 10,000 people each year. - Vanuatu Marlin Classic: Efate – May 2019
The Vanuatu Marlin Classic is an annual event attracting anglers from all over the South Pacific, and participants regularly haul in giant blue marlin.
