Tanna, Tafea Province – 11 August 2025 – The Minister of Custom, Arts and Culture, Hon. Job Andy, has officially brought the curtain down on the 5th National Arts and Culture Festival last Friday during a colourful and emotional closing ceremony at Laminu Stadium, Lenakel, Tanna.

Addressing participants, visitors, and community leaders, Minister Andy praised the five-day festival as a powerful and living showcase of who we are as Ni-Vanuatu.

From 4–8 August, Tanna became the beating heart of Vanuatu’s traditions, drawing participants from every province. The festival grounds were alive with the sound of tamtam drums, the rhythm of kastom dances, the voices of singers, and the intricate artistry of wood carvings, weaving, traditional drawings and cookings, and cultural storytelling. There were also demonstrations of indigenous knowledge systems, traditional governance practices, and educational sessions aimed at passing on wisdom to the next generation.

Minister Andy commended the unwavering commitment of the chiefs, community leaders, and people of Tafea Province in hosting the historic event. He said it was no coincidence that the Government had declared Tafea as the Cultural Hub of Vanuatu, recognising its leadership in preserving and practising kastom.

“Our identity is our strength. I call on all chiefs to continue sharing their knowledge with our youth so that our traditions live on – not just in ceremonies, but in our daily lives,” he urged

The Minister extended heartfelt thanks to the festival’s organising committee, traditional authorities, local businesses, and many volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure the event’s success. He also acknowledged the visiting delegations from across Vanuatu whose participation reinforced national unity through shared heritage.

Looking to the future, Minister Job Andy announced that Penama Province will host the 6th National Arts and Culture Festival in 2029.

The festival’s closing moments saw a spectacular farewell performance, symbolising unity and the passing of the cultural flame from Tafea to Penama. As the sun set over Lenakel, the Minister’s message was clear: Vanuatu’s culture is not just a treasure from the past – it is a living, evolving legacy to be protected for generations to come.