December – February: REBA – Annual Harvest Ceremony (Ngada District)
Reba is a major thanksgiving event, celebrating a bountiful harvest. It features three days of traditional rituals and feasting, often involving live animal offerings. Visitors are encouraged to dress modestly and be respectful of sacred practices.

April: Semana Santa & Good Friday – Larantuka, East Flores
Larantuka’s Holy Week celebrations attract thousands of Catholic pilgrims. This deeply spiritual event blends Portuguese traditions with local culture, offering a moving and unique experience.

June – July: ETU or SAGI – Traditional Boxing (Ngada & Nagekeo Districts)
This age-old ritual showcases warriors in ceremonial boxing matches, symbolizing strength, thanksgiving, and hope for future harvests. Blood spilled during matches is believed to bring blessings.

August: Kelimutu Festival & Pati Ka Du’a Bapu Ata Mata Ceremony
Held on August 14th, this sacred event honors ancestors at Kelimutu Crater Lake, a spiritual site for the Lio people. The day includes food offerings and prayers for blessings in the year ahead. The ceremony is now supported by Kelimutu National Park and Ende’s Tourism Office.

November: Penti Ceremony – Wae Rebo

Penti marks the end of the agricultural year in Manggarai and celebrates community, gratitude, and renewal. All villagers, even those living elsewhere, return to take part in the full-day festivities. If you plan to witness this ceremony, aim to arrive by the afternoon of November 15th.!