Ambrym Magic and Yam Festivals

Does anyone know the dates for the Magic festival and Yam festival in Ambrym in 2011? I have conflicting reports with July 8-9, and May 19-21. Does it mean these are held twice a year?

Thanks!

It means that each festival is held once per year.

Every island's yam harvest ends in May if that is any help. Ambrym festivals such as the ROM dance are usually in August but maybe they are early this year. I am not able to confirm this year's dates so I can't tell you any more. This type of festival is not for tourists and will be held whether there are 1 or 101 tourists coming to watch. Even so they need your money so be prepared to pay the local chief around 1000 per day.

Sometimes there is food.

I have been able to confirm that the magic festival is 8 and 9 July. I also found out that the ROM dance has succumbed to the lure of the filthy lucre. The ROM dance is now on every Thursday during winter. Yet another fake show for the tourists. At least it's better than no dance at all.

Hi! They have a 3-day Return To My Roots Festival in Ambrym (north) this August. Wonder if anyone has been to this in the past years. The charge to see the festival (saw the itinerary at Tourist info, Vila) is 5000Vt.

Is this a "new" festival/performance staged to bring in Yatchie money or is it smething that the village in Ambrym has been celebrating traditionally for years? If you'v attended this in the past, can you please share ur experiences?

Cheers!
PM