Sumba, a beautiful island in East Nusa Tenggara, is known as one of the best places in the world not only because of its natural beauty but also because of its rich culture and traditions that are still strongly preserved by its people. One of the most unique and interesting traditions from Sumba is the Pasola tradition. This tradition is not just a show or a festival, but a cultural ritual full of meaning and history.
Have you ever heard about Pasola? Or are you curious about what Pasola tradition is and how it is performed? Let’s dive into the full explanation below!
Table of Contents
What is the Pasola Tradition?
Pasola is a traditional war ritual performed by the people of Sumba as a deep cultural practice full of meaning. Simply put, Pasola is a battle between two groups of warriors who throw wooden spears at each other while riding horses. But don’t think Pasola is just an ordinary physical fight. It is much more than that — it is a symbol of struggle, bravery, and a prayer for fertile land and the safety of the entire community.
The word “Pasola” comes from the local language, from “sola” or “hola,” which means wooden spear or lance. In this ritual, Pasola is a traditional war where two horseback groups face off, chase each other, and throw wooden spears toward the opponents. This ritual is not only a contest of strength but also an offering to nature and ancestors.
The main goal of Pasola is to welcome the planting season with hopes for a bountiful harvest. Besides that, Pasola is also a form of respect to ancestors and the power of nature believed to protect the life of Sumba people. Through this tradition, social harmony and natural balance are believed to be maintained, so the lives of the community can run smoothly and sustainably.
In other words, Pasola is not just a game or fight but a sacred ritual that unites courage, spirituality, and customs into one unique cultural tradition.
When Is the Pasola Tradition Held?
Pasola is not a tradition that can be held anytime. It is closely connected to the natural cycle, especially the appearance of nyale, which are sea worms that come up to the surface of the sea in large numbers. The people of Sumba believe Pasola can only be held when the nyale appear as a natural permission to start this war ritual. The nyale usually come out between February and April.
Pasola is held once a year, right at the beginning of the planting season. In Lamboya district, Pasola is regularly held in February. In Wanokaka district, it usually takes place from late February to early March. Lastly, Pasola Kodi is held in April.
The exact date of Pasola can’t be randomly decided. The rato (traditional leader) determines the time based on a traditional calendar that considers the phases of the moon and other natural signs.
One month before Pasola begins, the entire community must follow several prohibitions, such as no parties, no house building, or other activities that could disturb the sacredness of the ritual. All of this is done to maintain balance between tradition, society, and nature.
Read more: How to Get to Sumba via Sea, Air, and Land Along with the Ticket Price Range
History and Origin of Pasola
Pasola started from a legendary love triangle story in Wewijunga village, Sumba. Three brothers—Ngongu Tau Matutu, Yagi Waikareeri, and Ubu Dulla—went fishing and disappeared. Meanwhile, Ubu Dulla’s wife, Rabu Kabba, fell in love with another young man named Teda Gaiparona.
When the brothers returned, a conflict arose because Rabu Kabba chose to leave with Teda. To avoid a civil war that could destroy both families, Rabu Kabba refused bloodshed and suggested a compromise: to hold Pasola, a traditional war ritual where the winner would get the woman.
However, the story goes that no one ever wins Pasola. This fight became a symbol to maintain peace and the fertility of the land, with the spilled blood believed to give life and balance to the nature and people of Sumba.
The Process and Rituals in Pasola
Pasola is more than just entertainment. There are very sacred processes and rituals followed with great respect. Pasola can only be held after the people have caught the nyale, as their appearance is the natural signal allowing this game. This event involves two groups of Sumba warriors, each with more than 100 young men. They fight using wooden spears about 1.5 cm thick, with blunt tips for safety.
Even though the spears have blunt tips, the fight is still dangerous. The warriors ride horses, striking their spears while dodging attacks from the opponents. In some cases, this fight can be fatal and cause casualties.
In the past, the spears were sharp, making the fights more brutal. But over time, the tradition has been adapted to be safer, with blunt spears. Deaths in Pasola are not seen as accidents but are believed to be signs of violations of traditional rules in the community.
Cultural and Social Meaning of Pasola in Society
Pasola is not just an ordinary ritual for the people of Sumba — it carries very deep meaning and rich cultural values. This tradition serves as a way to unite village residents, where two groups fight not only to test physical strength but also to show bravery, solidarity, and deep respect for tradition and ancestors.
Pasola symbolizes more than just war; it is a symbol of land fertility and hope for abundant harvests. Through this fight, the people of Sumba ask for blessings from nature and ancestors so their lives will always be prosperous. Because of that, Pasola is a way to strengthen the unique cultural identity of Sumba that sets it apart from other regions in Indonesia.
Socially, Pasola plays an important role in strengthening relationships between residents. When two groups face off in Pasola, they actually reinforce a sense of togetherness and solidarity within the community. This tradition becomes a medium to preserve noble values like courage, respect, and mutual cooperation passed down from ancestors.
More than that, Pasola is a real expression of the bravery of the warriors as well as respect for ancestors. It is also a prayer for a rich harvest and prosperous community life. Through this ritual, Sumba people proudly show their cultural heritage and confirm how a centuries-old tradition remains relevant in strengthening shared values and community spirit.
With Pasola, Sumba doesn’t just preserve an old ritual but also strengthens the social bond that forms the strong foundation of its society.
Pasola Tradition and Tourism
Today, Pasola is not only a preserved tradition but also an incredible tourist attraction. Many local and international tourists come to Sumba specifically to watch the energetic and unique Pasola show.
The presence of Pasola as a tourism attraction brings positive impacts, such as boosting the local economy and introducing Sumba’s culture to the outside world. However, challenges also arise, like the need to balance commercialization and the authenticity of the ritual to keep its meaning and spiritual values intact.
Preserving Pasola is a shared responsibility so that this tradition stays alive and becomes the pride of Sumba’s people, as well as an authentic cultural tourism magnet. Continuous efforts are made to keep Pasola sacred and meaningful while giving fair benefits to the local community.
Read more: Sumba Tour 2025: A Dream Vacation Spot According to Forbes
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The Pasola tradition is one of the cultural treasures that make Sumba so special in the eyes of the world. From its meaningful history and unique rituals to its role in strengthening identity and attracting tourists, Pasola is your window to get to know the life and culture of Sumba more deeply.
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