Orongo

Orongo is a ceremonial village located on Easter Island, known for its rich cultural history. It features a cluster of stone dwellings and platforms set on a volcanic crater’s rim, used by the island's ancestors for important rituals. The site is famous for the Birdman Cult, where participants competed annually in events involving retrieving sooty terns’ eggs from dangerous sea stacks. These ceremonies were vital for leadership selection and spiritual practices, reflecting the islanders’ deep connection with their environment and beliefs. Today, Orongo is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, symbolizing Easter Island’s unique heritage.