Imaio Cultural Village

About This Experience

Imaio means "My Home" in the local language, and that warmth comes through from the moment you arrive at this cultural village in south-east Tanna. You're welcomed into an experience that covers traditional dance, face painting, fire-making, and a taste of locally cooked seasonal food, all shared by the community who live it every day.

Highlights

• Traditional face painting opens the experience
• Songs and dance celebrate nearby Yasur Volcano
• Fire-making
• Taste local food

Departure & Return

Imaio Cultural Village is located in the south-east of Tanna, approximately 4-5 km drive from Mt Yasur Volcano Entrance and its surrounding bungalow accommodations. Transport can be arranged with the village; otherwise arrange your own vehicle transport.

Tours run every day and are organised on request, so call ahead to confirm your preferred arrival time before making your way out.

What to Expect at Imaio Cultural Village

As you arrive, you'll be greeted by women and children dressed in traditional kastom attire, each presenting you with a handmade neck garland as a gift of welcome.

The first performance is the Napa Napan dance, performed exclusively by the village ladies. Rhythmic, energetic, and deeply traditional, the songs tell stories of the volcano, the land, and village life. After the ladies finish, the men and children join in for a custom dance, and guests are warmly encouraged to join in, with men joining the men, and women joining the women.

After the dances, the experience moves into hands-on demonstrations:

• Traditional stretcher carry - a re-enactment of how villagers once transported the injured across long distances using only woven leaves (magic leaf as they call it), long before cars existed
• Fire making - watch as fire is created from dry wood using ancient technique
• Coconut demonstration - opening of the coconut by stone, also learn the many ways coconut is used in daily village life: brushing teeth, scrubbing skin, making coconut milk, copra, mosquito coils, drinking shells, food plates, and more.

After the demonstrations, guests are invited to taste freshly prepared local food cooked over the fire: expect taro, sweet potato, manioc, and seasonal produce from the land. The menu changes with the seasons, so what you taste is always fresh and genuine.

The tour wraps up with a small village market where the ladies sell handmade crafts and souvenirs. Purchases and donations go directly to supporting the families living here. Extra donations are always welcome.

Stay at Imaio Cultural Village

For a deeper cultural experience, visitors can stay overnight at Imaio Cultural Village in a traditional village hut. The stay includes accommodation, meals and cultural activities, including traditional dances performed by the local community. It is a memorable way to experience village life beyond a standard daytime visit and spend more time connecting with the people and traditions of Imaio.