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”.