Tanna, Vanuatu – 28 July 2025
With the 5th National Arts & Culture Festival just around the corner, the Minister of Arts and Culture, Hon. Job Sam Andy, led a government delegation to Tanna Island last week to inspect preparations across the island.
The visit marks a key milestone in the lead-up to one of Vanuatu’s most anticipated cultural events, set to take place from the 5th to the 12th of August 2025. Upon arrival, the Minister and his team were warmly welcomed by the Nikoletan Council of Chiefs through a traditional custom ceremony, a powerful gesture highlighting the importance of kastom and local traditions at the heart of the upcoming festival.
The official delegation included the Director General of the Ministry, the First Political Advisor, the CEO of the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs, and the Director of the Vanuatu Cultural Centre. Their program also featured a key consultation with Chief Peter Marcel Nikiatu, Chairman of the Nikoletan Council of Chiefs, and other senior local chiefs. Discussions focused on cultural participation, collaboration, and the unique contributions of Tanna’s communities to the success of the festival.
Throughout the tour, the Minister visited several communities across seven Area Councils that will host and support the event. These visits aimed to assess community readiness, encourage local ownership, and strengthen coordination between the national government, cultural institutions, and traditional leadership.
This year’s festival promises to be more than just a cultural celebration it will serve as a national platform for unity, identity, and shared values. A rich variety of side events will showcase Vanuatu’s heritage and its connection to social and environmental themes. These include a coastal horse racing and surfing event in Nanuneta, celebrating the island’s deep bond with land and sea; a religious crusade in North Tanna, promoting peace through faith and ethnic diversity; the Pacific Music Vibes celebration near Mount Yasur, linking culture with climate action and community health; and a film festival in Yakel Custom Village, highlighting the power of digital storytelling in preserving cultural identity.
One of the most significant highlights of the event will be the official declaration of Tanna Island and the broader Tafea Province as the National Cultural Hub of Vanuatu. This landmark announcement reflects the region’s historic leadership in preserving kastom and its ongoing role in shaping Vanuatu’s cultural identity at the national level.
To support local preparations, a technical team from the Ministry of Culture has been stationed on Tanna, working closely with communities to coordinate logistics, finalize plans, and ensure smooth delivery. Their efforts are helping to ensure that all aspects of the festival from infrastructure and performances to health and safety meet a high standard and reflect the nation’s cultural pride.
The 2025 National Arts & Culture Festival is set to be a landmark event that celebrates the past, engages the present, and inspires future generations through unity, creativity, and custom.
