The Toka Dance

Tanna is one of the most popular island of Vanuatu because of it's volcano, Yasur volcano so easily and speedily accessible. Tanna island is also known for the traditional Toka dance or the Nekoviar dance, this dance marks off the tribal war, the custom ceremony is held in the whole country according to the dates which the ceremony takes place every year, Toka dance starts off with the woman only dancing till early hours of the morning then there is a five minute silent then the men take over and start dancing away, The woman's dance is called the Napen Napen. It takes a few months to prepare for this special ceremony.

John Frum and The Cargo Cult

It all started in 1940, when, now a mythical figure John Frum came along from the sea claiming that there would be a wealth of goods and money if only the Europeans would leave the island. Soon after that, the arrival of American troops landed with planes, jeeps, radios and cigarettes giving credence to the myth. Red crosses were put up in the hope that medical care would continue to be provided free of charge. By then it had become obvious that John Frum must have been American (John from America). Nowadays, this cult, which has attracted numerous supporters, is celebrated through prayers and dancing every Friday at Sulphur Bay. Every 15th of February, all the believers in this cult gather from all over the island to celebrate. The men, armed with sticks made to look like rifles, march past their flag, which shows the letters USA on the back. Visitors and members of the congregation gather around the Red Cross in the sacred clearing and lay flowers to the sound of singing and praying, waiting for John Frum to return with a white cargo laden with riches.