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8 December 2022
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Celebration in the Loyalty Islands
The Avocado Festival, the Vanilla Festival, the Lagoon Festival... Daily life in Lifou, Maré and Ouvéa is punctuated by numerous popular festivals where traditions, customs, and the enrichment of the know-how of the people of the islands mingle. The hospitality and friendliness of the Loyaltians are abundantly expressed in these moments of sharing with visitors eager to discover another lifestyle.In the early 1990s, some farmers on Maré decided to organize a small party in the north of the island in honour of the avocado, whose cultivation began to grow on the island of Nengone. The following year, the great chief of the Guahma district, Nidoish Naisseline, invited them to regroup and offered a site in the chiefdom in Nece. The Avocado Festival was born. It quickly took on and is now part of the unmissable festivities of New Caledonia. Its objective is to appreciate, through this fraternal event, the fruit of the farmers' work, to prove that custom is not an obstacle to development and, of course, to establish the reputation of Maré’s avocados beyond the borders of the island.
Over the years, other festivals have emerged, based on customary festivals, existing agricultural or cultural events or the will of a few enthusiasts. In this way, the concept of Loyalty Islands Celebrations gradually took on, and today includes a dozen festivals, from April to December, divided equally between Lifou, Maré and Ouvéa
"Tourism that is authentic and promotes unity " is the formula that best sums up the Loyalty Islands Celebrations: the inhabitants of the host tribe mobilize for months in advance to prepare the festival, the related activities, and the welcome for visitors according to the Oceanian tradition of hospitality. "The Vanilla Festival is a place of sharing and joy between visitors and the population of Drehu, summarizes the president of the organizing association. I am proud to receive in our huts people from all over the world, proud to hear them say that our island is both welcoming and authentic”.
A special "transport + homestay" package allows a voluntarily limited number of visitors to fully immerse themselves during this celebration in the daily life of the Loyalty Islands. Beyond the simple tourist setting, it is the work of the tribes involved that is highlighted, far removed from folklore. We do not only share a hut or a meal, but we actively participate in the life of the tribe. "This meeting is very important for tribes and families with modest incomes. It allows them to live correctly for some time by selling the fruit of several months of labour, or by receiving visitors in their homes. And also, beyond the financial aspect, to share their experiences, their beliefs with curious visitors, and to make them discover magnificent sites usually inaccessible to tourists. "This is the fifth time I've participated in this kind of party," says one visitor “I am always a little afraid that it will be artificial and touristy, but each time I am amazed by the authenticity of the welcome and the kindness of the people”.
Loyalty Islands Celebrations is the surest way to make contact with the soul of the islands. To live an authentic experience by creating authentic contacts that will leave you with lasting memories. Next time, let yourself be tempted!
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