"Closing ceremony celebrates unity, launches Tafea Council of Chiefs, and reinforces call for cultural leadership."

Lenakel, Tanna – 10 August 2025 — The curtains have closed on the 5th National Arts and Culture Festival in Lenakel, Tanna, with a powerful call for unity, discipline, and integrity from Chairman and President of the Nikolatan Council of Chiefs, Chief Peter Marcel.

In his closing address at Laminu Stadium, Chief Marcel commended the spirit of togetherness and cultural pride that marked the five-day celebration, describing it as a milestone in showcasing Vanuatu’s living traditions and national identity.

He thanked chiefs, communities, and participants from across the islands for their active involvement, highlighting that the event had drawn a record number of visitors and filled the stadium daily with vibrant performances, traditional displays, and cultural exchanges.

The festival coincided with two major events hosted on Tanna: the 45th Independence Anniversary and the Public Service Day, attracting the Prime Minister, Head of State, Cabinet Ministers, and Members of Parliament.

Chief Marcel urged all chiefs to be disciplined and lead with integrity, stressing that unity among leaders and communities is essential for Vanuatu’s progress.

“When everyone works together, the whole nation benefits,” Chief Marcel said. “Our culture and customs are the heartbeat of this country, protect them, practise them, and pass them on.”

The 5th National Arts and Culture Festival not only strengthened cultural bonds but also set a new benchmark for national gatherings, reaffirming Tanna and Tafea Province as one of the beating hearts of Vanuatu’s cultural heritage.