Yet the roots of the John Frum story stretch back even further, to the 1930s, when the islands - then known as the New Hebrides - were under colonial influence. John Frum, they believed, had delivered on his promise. Scholars remain divided over the origins of John Frum. At its peak in the late 20th century, the John Frum following numbered around 5,000. Each year on February 15 the island comes alive with the celebration of John Frum Day.

Source: Daily Mail April 12, 2026 14:18 UTC