Vanuatu's incredible land diving festival
Ever wondered who was crazy enough to invent bungee jumping? The answer may lie in this amazing traditional festival in Vanuatu.
What is it?
The Naghol Festival celebrates the start of the yam harvest in Vanuatu and is an ancient tradition that is still celebrated today. Islanders build large wooden towers, up to 30 metres tall, that will be used for land diving. As the name suggests, boys and men tie a vine to each of their ankles and dive head first from the tower. If done properly, the vines should be just the right length so that the divers can curl their head up and their shoulders just brush the ground.
What does it mean?
The festival was originally meant to ensure a bountiful yam harvest for the village. The ground was said to be fertilised by the divers’ body brushing the ground as the came to the end of their jump. It is also a show of great courage from the men and boys taking part.
Where is it?
The festival takes place on the island of Pentecost in Vanuatu. Pentecost is one of the country’s 83 islands and sits around 200 kilometres north of the capital Port Vila. It is small and pristine, with virgin rainforest, tumbling waterfalls, clear swimming holes and sparkling beaches.
When is it?
The Naghol Festival is held every Saturday in April and May.
How can I see it?
There are limited accommodation options on Pentecost island, so most visitors come for a day trip from Port Vila. The flight takes around one hour each way and there are packages available that include airfares, transfers and entry to the festival.
Have you ever been to this festival?