The pasola is a ritual originating from western Sumba, in the Lesser Sunda Islands. Long overlooked by the Balinese and Javanese empires, Sumba has managed to preserve its traditions and distinctive culture. The island is renowned for its pointed dwellings, horse breeding, magnificent ikats, and megalithic tombs. Many visitors come specifically to experience the annual celebrations surrounding the pasola. If you love discovering new cultures, this event will not disappoint you!

How Does the Pasola Unfold?

The pasola is a ritual rooted in Sumba's warrior past. It is a lance competition between two teams mounted on horseback. The word "pasola" in the local language means "lance" and derives from the Sanskrit "sula." The teams are dressed in vibrant colors and ride bareback on their horses.

This festival takes place just after the rainy season to celebrate the beginning of rice planting in the region. The original purpose was to shed blood on the earth to appease spirits, honor ancestors, and ensure good harvests for the coming year.

Once, dying during the pasola was considered an honor. But rest assured—nowadays, accidental deaths are extremely rare! Moreover, lances are no longer designed to wound opponents. The blood of men and horses is also replaced with that of pigs or chickens.

The Legend of the Pasola:

According to legend, the pasola originated from the story of a woman from Waiwuang who married a local chief. He had to leave for an extended period and, believing him dead, she fell in love with another villager. When her husband returned, she decided to stay with her lover and marry him instead. To restore joy to their chief, the people of Waiwuang decided to organize equestrian games combining agility and combat. This is how the pasola was born.

The pasola takes place in several locations depending on the date. Specifically: Lamboya and Kodi in February, and Gaura and Wanokaka in March. The ritual typically begins after the full moon festivities, just after the arrival of the nyale, sea worms. It lasts four weeks.

Obtaining exact festival dates can sometimes be complicated. These days, the elders announce them in advance to inform visitors of the official schedule.

We recommend hiring a driver to get you there. Indeed, renting a scooter will be more difficult. Additionally, each small village has a few accommodation options, as tourism is gradually developing in Sumba.

Tambolaka Airport serves the town of the same name and Waikabubak in the east of the island, both just a few hours' drive from the villages where the pasola takes place.