Latano: The History of a Catholic Mission Station

Latano is shaped by its Catholic mission history: the mission station was established in the late 19th century. In 1898, Catholic missionaries made efforts related to its establishment. Anyone interested in the historical context of a place will find a concrete starting point here.

Founding and Local History

The original settlement consisted of around 100 Ni-Vanuatu from different parts of Raga. They returned from Fiji after working there for several years as forced laborers and adopting the Catholic faith. The story of the settlement’s founding also tells of the original residents’ life journeys and their return.

Historical descriptions of the area mention the ruins of a large Catholic church, a smaller church, and several school buildings in Latano. One report describes a relatively large grammar school in Latano at the time. It was located on the grounds of an old Catholic mission and a coconut plantation. The recorded history of the area thus encompasses both religious buildings and educational institutions.

More Landscapes and Experiences in Penama Province

In the wider regional context of Penama Province, nature experiences complement Latano’s mission history. On Ambae, Manaro Voui is an active shield volcano; its smaller summit caldera contains three lakes. Lake Vui on Ambae is known for its emerald-green water at the summit of Manaro. An expedition to the volcano includes a hike to the summit, with panoramic views across the island and the Pacific Ocean. Ambae also has natural hot springs.

Maewo offers lush green vegetation and waterfalls. At the island’s southern tip, Asanvari Waterfall plunges directly into the sea; there, you can swim and snorkel among coral reefs. Naone Falls can be reached by hiking through lush vegetation. Their crystal-clear pools invite you to swim. The two waterfalls offer different nature experiences: at Asanvari, waterfall and sea meet, while the route to Naone Falls passes through verdant landscapes.

Culture and Travel Planning

On Pentecost, Penama’s Nagol land-diving festival takes place on Saturdays from April to June. During Nangol, local men jump from tall wooden towers with vines attached to their ankles. As the seasonal schedule may vary, check the specific event dates before making plans. Village experiences on Pentecost also include demonstrations of kastom dances and kava preparation. In Penama, local women make red woven mats from pandanus leaves; traditionally, kava in the province is grated with limestone.

Pentecost also has a rich local history: Sara Village is the birthplace of Walter Lini, the father of Vanuatu’s independence. These regional examples offer different points of focus—from land diving and village experiences to crafts and history.

For your further travel planning, you can choose from a range of themes: Latano’s mission history, and nature and cultural experiences in Penama Province.

For the broader travel overview: Penama Province.