The Guti Nale Festival is a tradition of catching Nale (Nyale) a type of sea worm as a sign of the coming harvest and community welfare. Since 2019, Guti Nale has been designated as national festival by the Lembata Regency Government, East Nusa Tenggara Province.
The Guti Nale Festival in Lembata Regency is included in the 2025 event calendar in East Nusa Tenggara. The Lembata Guti Nale Festival will be held on February 17-18, 2025.
Guti Nale is a tradition of the Mingar people in Pasir Putih Village, Nagawetun District, Lembata Regency, NTT. This tradition has been passed down from generation to generation. For the Mingar people, Nale is more than just a sea worm—it’s a lifeline, a blessing from nature, and a symbol of hope during tough times. When the dry seasons drag on and the rains are unpredictable, crops often fail, leaving families hungry and struggling. But the Nale, a small sea worm that appears along the coast, brings relief. Not only does it provide food, but the smoked Nale also helps fertilize the community’s rice and corn fields. This tradition, known as Guti Nale, is a beautiful blend of survival, spirituality, and community bonding that has been passed down for generations.
Every year, in February and March—or on the 6th-7th full moon of the second month and the 7th-8th full moon of the third month according to the Mingar calendar—the community comes together to celebrate this ancient ritual. It’s a time of anticipation, preparation, and gratitude, as the Mingar people honor their ancestors and the natural world that sustains them.
The Ritual of Catching Nale: A Night of Unity and Excitement
As the sun begins to set on the appointed days, the shores of Watan Raja Beach come alive with activity. Families, friends, and neighbors gather, carrying senele, traditional containers made of woven Palmyra. These containers, carefully crafted and hung around their necks, are essential for collecting the Nale. Children run along the beach, their laughter mixing with the sound of the waves, while adults prepare their tools and share stories of past Nale hunts.
The atmosphere is electric, but everyone waits patiently for the signal to begin. That signal comes in the form of a distinctive cry: Duli Gere. It’s a call made by the traditional elder, who has the important role of monitoring the arrival of the sea worms. When the elder shouts Duli Gere, it’s like a spark that ignites the spirit of the community. The cry echoes across the beach, and suddenly, the hunt begins.
Flashlights and torches light up the night as the Mingar people comb the beach, their eyes scanning the sand and shallow waters for the elusive Nale. It’s a team effort—children, parents, and elders all work together, their movements synchronized as if they’ve done this a thousand times before. The shared excitement and camaraderie make the night feel magical, a reminder of how deeply connected the community is.
The Heart of the Tradition: Spirituality and History
The Guti Nale tradition isn’t just about catching sea worms; it’s a ritual that carries deep spiritual and historical meaning. According to the Mingar people, this tradition dates back to 500 AD, making it over 1,500 years old. While there’s no written record to confirm its exact origins, the stories passed down through generations speak of its importance.
Before the Nale arrive, the community holds a traditional ceremony to honor their ancestors and seek their blessings. This ceremony is a heartfelt expression of gratitude and reverence for the forces that sustain their lives. It’s a time to reflect on the struggles and triumphs of their ancestors, to remember their wisdom, and to ask for their guidance. The Mingar people believe that the Nale are a gift from the spirits of the sea, sent to help them during times of hardship. This belief reflects their deep respect for nature and their understanding of its cycles.
For the Mingar, the ritual of catching Nale is more than just a practical activity—it’s a spiritual act that reaffirms their connection to the natural world and to each other. It’s a way of saying thank you to the sea, to their ancestors, and to the land that provides for them.
Nale: A Source of Life and Hope
The Nale sea worms are incredibly valuable to the Mingar people, both as a source of food and as a natural fertilizer. During the dry seasons, when crops fail and food is scarce, the Nale provide a vital source of nutrition. They’re rich in protein and other essential nutrients, making them a crucial part of the Mingar diet during difficult times. Once caught, the Nale are smoked to preserve them, ensuring they can be stored and eaten over the coming months.
But the Nale’s benefits don’t stop there. The ashes from the smoked Nale are mixed into the soil, enriching it with nutrients that help the community’s rice and corn grow stronger. This practice shows the Mingar people’s resourcefulness and their ability to make the most of what nature provides. It’s a beautiful example of how they live in harmony with their environment, using every resource wisely and sustainably.
A Tradition That Brings People Together
The Guti Nale tradition is more than just a survival strategy—it’s a celebration of community, culture, and resilience. It’s a time when the Mingar people come together, not just to catch sea worms, but to strengthen their bonds and honor their shared heritage. The ritual is a reminder of their unity, their ability to support one another, and their deep connection to the land and sea.
For the children, it’s a night of adventure and learning. They watch their parents and elders, absorbing the stories and skills that have been passed down for generations. For the adults, it’s a time to reflect on their responsibilities as stewards of their culture and environment. And for the elders, it’s a moment of pride, seeing their traditions carried forward with love and respect.