How did land diving get its start?

The tradition, known as “land diving,” dates back centuries. It originated as a rite of passage for young men trying to prove their manhood. The idea is to jump from as high as possible, and to land as close to the ground as possible. It is also a harvest ritual.

What is land diving called on Pentecost Island?

Land diving (known in the local Sa language as Gol and in Bislama as Nanggol) is a ritual performed by the men of the southern part of Pentecost Island, Vanuatu.

Where can you visit the unique custom of land diving?

Every year from April to June, the Vanuatuan island of Pentecost hosts one of the most spectacular and death-defying cultural ceremonies ever conceived. Known as the Nagol, it sees men climb flimsy 100-foot wooden towers and dive headfirst into empty space, with nothing to break their fall but vines tied their ankles.

What country visited England in the 19th century and put on a diving display?

In the late 19th century, a group of Swedish divers visited Great Britain. They put on diving displays that proved hugely popular and led to the formation of the first diving organisation, the Amateur Diving Association, in 1901.

Where is Pentecost?

Vanuatu
Pentecost, also called Pentecôte, formerly Aragh, or Raga, island of Vanuatu, in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, about 60 miles (100 km) southeast of Espiritu Santo island.

Who governs Pentecost island?

Pentecost Island is one of the 83 islands that make up the South Pacific nation of Vanuatu. It lies 190 kilometres (120 mi) due north of capital Port Vila. Pentecost Island is known as Pentecôte in French and Pentikos in Bislama….Pentecost Island.

Who named Pentecost island?

It was the first island in the Whitsunday group to be named and the only one in the group named by Cook, in June 1770 with the phrase ‘More remarkable than the rest (of the Cumberland Isles), being small in circuit, very high and peaked and lies EBS 10 miles from Cape Conway’.

How long does it take to land dive in Naghol?

The land diving commences at about 10am and runs for one to two hours. If there is word of a group of tourists coming, they may delay the start of the land diving for you. If you are planning to fly out of Pentecost the same day as Naghol, it is best to book the Saturday 4pm flight with Air Vanuatu.

What is the story behind Naghol Land Diving Festival?

Naghol land diving festival is regarded as the birthplace of modern day bungee jumping. The adrenaline sport that you often associate with Queenstown, New Zealand. Naghol land diving follows on from a story where a woman cheated on her husband. He chased her up a coconut palm tree.

What is the land diving ceremony on Pentecost Island?

Land Diving on Pentecost Island The nangol land-diving ceremony on Vanuatu’s Pentecost Island is one of the most thrilling culture experiences a traveler can witness. A rite of passage for men, the land-diving ceremony is a “test of faith” to thank and show reverence to the gods.

What is the nangol land-diving ceremony?

The nangol land-diving ceremony on Vanuatu’s Pentecost Island is one of the most thrilling culture experiences a traveler can witness. A rite of passage for men, the land-diving ceremony is a “test of faith” to thank and show reverence to the gods.