Are you an intrepid traveller looking for a cultural experience like no other?
One of Indonesia’s grandest celebrations, the Pasola Festival, simulates an intense horseback battle between 100 men, and it is certainly a spectacle worth travelling to the remote island of Sumba to see for yourself!Â
Read on for a deep dive into the legendary Pasola Festival, and find out how to plan your perfect Sumba trip to experience this incredible Indonesian tradition.
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Pasola – Sumba
One of the most intense competitions still held in the world today, the Pasola Festival of West Sumba, is a traditional horseback spear-fighting contest that is sure to be a momentous part of your travels in Indonesia. In one of the most legendary and gruesome traditional festivals of Indonesia, two groups of 50 men mounted on horses, launch wooden spears at each other to simulate a battle, while wearing colourful traditional clothing.
Pasola is now more of a mock conflict these days, but you can be assured that the origins of this battle were warfare, and it was even considered an honour to lose one’s life during this skirmish! These days the spears are blunt, in comparison to the metal spear-heads which were traditionally used to spill bloodshed on the land. Today, armed police supervise the battles in case fights break out, and to oversee that there are no accidental deaths.
The Pasola Festival runs for a few days, with additional dance and music performances, cultural exhibits and even craft workshops, where visitors can take part in activities like cooking, weaving and learning the art of making traditional medicines. The highlight of Pasola, other than the battle itself, is the parade featuring beautiful, authentic costumes and horses that are decorated in local textiles and tribal patterns.
The Origins of the Pasola Festival
The Pasola battle is an ancient ritual that is believed to balance material and spiritual needs, celebrating the upcoming rice planting season by spilling blood on the ground to give thanks to the ancestors for a prosperous rice harvest. The roots of Pasola originate from the village of Waiwuang during the 16th Century, where according to folklore, a woman was married to the leader of the village. He went away and she thought him dead, so she eloped with another man. When the leader returned his wife decided to remain with her new husband, so to pacify the leader’s sadness, the festival was created.
Traditionally, the Pasola Festival takes place at the end of wet season, when the sea worms swim to the shoreline. Dates are decided by the village elders, which now usually fall between February and March to accommodate the many tourists who wish to see this dramatic display.
How can you experience the Pasola Festival?Â
Visiting the Pasola Festival is a monumental experience that will give you a unique insight into one of the most fascinating cultures and traditions of Indonesia. So, how can you go about seeing the Pasola Festival?
The Date
The date of the Pasola festival is not predictable, with village elders deciding the date the event will take place two-to-four weeks in advance. This means you will have to be vigilant about your dates and keep a flexible travel schedule before booking a trip to Sumba, if this is to be the main highlight of your trip.
How To Get There
To get there, you can fly direct from Denpasar Airport in Bali to Tambolaka Airport in West Sumba in just 2-hours, or travel via Jakarta Airport to Tambolaka which takes approximately 3-hours.Â
Where To Stay
When visiting for the Pasola Festival, it’s best to book around 3-nights accommodation in Tambolaka or the town of Waikabubak, where you’ll find more options for accommodation and dining. This gives you the opportunity to check out some other attractions in the area such as Ratenggaro Village, Waikuri Lagoon, Lapopu Waterfall and Lendongara Hills in West Sumba. The festival is held in the Kodi, Wanokaka and Lamboya regions which are accessible from both Tambolaka and Waikabubak.
Check-out our recommended stays in West Sumba here.
There is so much to see and do in Sumba! We highly recommend staying for a week to explore both West and East Sumba. East Sumba is where you will find many of Sumba’s most glorious beaches.
We have also created a helpful 5-Days / 4-Nights Itinerary for Sumba to take the guesswork out of planning a trip to Sumba.Â
Final Words
The Pasola Festival in Sumba, is just another reason to plan a trip to this incredibly breathtaking part of East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Make sure you check out all of our top travel tips to ensure a super smooth trip!
Want more detailed information on travelling to Sumba? Check out our Sumba Travel Guide full of comprehensive advice on how to get there, where to stay and all of our tried and tested travel advice!
