Santo Rodeo broadens focus beyond bull riding

July 22, 2026 11:36 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Elton Barley.

The 2026 Santo Rodeo will feature more than cowboys and bulls, with local producers also being given an opportunity to showcase their products during this year’s event.

The event, which is held annually as part of the country’s Independence celebrations, will provide an opportunity for local farmers and manufacturers to display and sell their products, complementing the cattle- and horse-centred activities.

William Colmar, President of the Santo Rodeo, told media outlets that including crop farmers and value-added producers is another way of supporting these local entrepreneurs while also providing them with a platform to sell their products.

Colmar also said that bringing farmers together from different parts of SANMA Province will give them an opportunity to connect, share experiences and explore different ways to improve their farms and businesses.

The young entrepreneur explained that farmers can share techniques to improve their farms and exchange livestock and plant breeds to help ensure high quality and better yields.

The Santo Rodeo is scheduled to take place from 24 to 26 July 2026 at Kavu Park in Santo.

A parade will be held on 24 July, travelling through Luganville town to Kavu Park in Chapuis to mark the opening of the annual rodeo.

Sources also revealed that horses from Port Vila are already in Santo to take part in the rodeo events.

The Santo Rodeo is open to the public, and fun activities for children will also take place as part of Vanuatu’s 46th Independence celebrations.