Traditions of Port Vila
The capital of Vanuatu, tied to the kava bar, the yam harvest and the land diving of Pentecost Island.
Port Vila is a harbour town on the island of Efate. Vanuatu has more than a hundred languages and strong customary systems called kastom. Kava, sand drawing, and the yam harvest are central. Pentecost Island, to the north, is the home of the land dive, from which bungee jumping was derived.
Kastom and the dive
Each April and May, men on Pentecost leap from a tall wooden tower with vines tied to their ankles, to ensure a good yam harvest. The practice, called naghol, is shaped by the old story of a woman who jumped to escape her husband. Sand drawing, an art of line patterns, is recognised by UNESCO.
At the table
Lap lap, a pudding of grated yam or manioc and coconut cream, baked in leaves in the earth oven, is the national dish. Kava is drunk in the evening at a nakamal. Laplap, island cabbage, fish and coconut crab are common. Chiefs hold a ceremony to mark the first yam.
Signature traditions of Port Vila
Also part of it, and being written: Land diving (The Pentecost ritual.), Lap lap (The national dish.), Kava (The ceremonial drink.).
A trail idea for Port Vila
- Port Vila Market House Buy lap lap and fruit.
- Vanuatu Cultural Centre Hear about kastom.
- Nakamal Visit a kava bar by invitation.
Written by the EveryParampara desk with AI assistance. Opening hours, markets and festival dates change; check locally before travelling. Customs differ from place to place and family to family. If this is your tradition and we have it wrong, tell us.
