Planning a trip
Hearing music in Vanuatu
Fest'Napuan earns its place as a free civic festival, led by indigenous people, that has now run for thirty years without a break. The programme moves from the traditional towards the contemporary: string-band, Pacific reggae, kastom and ni-Vanuatu contemporary bands. If you only have an evening, make it the first: the kastom opening is the most personal night, and the festival then grows towards the contemporary acts.
Plan around mid-October, when the four days fall. The opening kastom night is on Wednesday, with the main programme from Thursday to Saturday, and music starts at 16:00 and ends at 23:00 each night. Admission is free. The dry season at that time of year makes the outdoor sessions comfortable. Because dates move from year to year, confirm them before booking flights, as only mid-October is given.
Fly to Port Vila (VLI) and take a taxi, about 20 minutes, into the centre. Saralana Park sits on the waterfront in the middle of town, within walking distance of the cruise terminal. The festival is seasonal, so outside October there is no programme to plan for.
FAQ
Questions people ask
When is Fest'Napuan held in Port Vila?
Fest'Napuan runs for four days in mid-October at Saralana Park. The opening kastom night is on Wednesday, with the main programme from Thursday to Saturday. Each evening's programme starts at 16:00 and finishes at 23:00.
Is Fest'Napuan free?
Yes, admission is free. The festival began in 1996 and takes place at Saralana Park, in the middle of Port Vila, and the opening kastom night is described as its most personal evening.
How do you get to Saralana Park in Port Vila?
Fly to Port Vila (VLI) and take a taxi, about 20 minutes, to the centre. Saralana Park sits on the waterfront in the middle of Port Vila, within walking distance of the cruise terminal.