‘Kastom danis blong Vanuatu’ operating soon

Written by Brenda Andre, VTO Senior Information Officer, 2nd February 2010: On Wednesday 27th January, Maina Lukai (VTO famils coordinator) and I attended a soft launch of a new tour ‘Kastom danis blong Vanuatu’, which took place at Teouma Valley. Attendees were mostly resort and hotel guest relations and tour officers, including a representatives from the P&O Cruise, and the National Tourism Development Office. The main goal of the tour was to provide tourists and visitors an opportunity to witness a variety of custom dances and traditions from several islands, in one prime location. This is especially ideal for visitors who are holidaying in Vanuatu for shorter periods but who want to go to the outer islands, however, they may not have time to visit so the communities bring their custom dances and arts to them at Teoma Valley, here on Efate. Plans are set down the pipeline to promote the tour to the cruise ships. Tour will depart hotels every Thursday afternoons from 2pm-2.15pm, followed by a guided drive through Port Vila town, 30 minutes drive through rural suburban settlements around Vila’s outskirts, and the cattle plantations before arriving at the Teouma Valley, where tourists will firstly enjoy a brief walk through flower gardens before watching the custom dances.

The afternoon kicks off with the cultural dances and art demonstrations of the Malampa Province (Malekula, Paama, Ambrym islands), then Tafea Province (Tanna, Futuna, Aniwa, Erromango, Aneityum islands) and finally Penama (Pentecost, Ambae, Maewo islands).

The dances are unique and distinct from each other through the different styles and designs of custom dressings worn by the dancers, custom face paints, style of dance, and the story behind each of the custom dances. During the afternoon of flare and flamboyance, light refreshment, fresh fruits, and coconut juice is served to guests.

For more information contact Mr Willie Wilson, Horizon Tours +678 25050. Mobile +678 7740313/ 5470548. Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it