A Guide to the Top 12 Festivals in Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, with more than 800 languages spoken across its 600-plus islands. The country is home to a wealth of spectacular cultural festivals that offer a glimpse into the vibrant heritages of its many tribal groups. Here are 12 can't-miss Papua New Guinea festivals.
List of Festivals in Papua New Guinea
Baliem Valley Culture Festival
Mount Hagen Festivals, Mount Hagen Sing-Sing
Baining Fire Dance Festival
Goroka Show
Kenu and Kundu Festival
Mask Festival
Tumbuna Sing-Sing
The Sepik Crocodile Festival
The Morobe Show
Enga Cultural Show
Hiri Moale Festival
Kutubu Kundu and Digaso Festival
Melpa Man, Papua New Guinea
1. Baliem Valley Culture Festival
The Baliem Valley Culture Festival has been an annual tradition since 1989. It is held in August in the Wulesi District of Jayawijaya Regency, near the highlands of central Papua New Guinea. The festival celebrates the Dani, Yali, and Lani people who inhabit the region with traditional war dances and ritual performances that date back centuries.
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Spend three full days exploring the unforgettable Jayawijaya Mountains and magical Baliem Valley. Attend the annual Baliem Valley Culture Festival. Enjoy traditional foods while watching a mock battle, energetic dance performances, and competitions such as archery and spear-throwing.
New Guinea: The Paradise Island, now departing August 2023.
2. Mount Hagen Sing-Sing
The Mount Hagen Sing-Sing is another annual event that draws tribes from all over Papua New Guinea. Held in Mount Hagen, the capital of Western Highlands Province, the festival features more than 100 cultural groups from across the country. Visitors can enjoy singing and dancing, theatrics, and tradition. The Mount Hagen Sing-Sing usually takes place in August.
3. Baining Fire Dance Festival
One of Papua New Guinea's most unique festivals is the Baining Fire Dance Festival, which takes place in East New Britain Province's, Gaulim village every July. The festival features the Baining people's traditional fire dance, in which participants cover their bodies with tree sap before dancing around a large bonfire. The sap protects their skin from getting burned by the flames but also gives the illusion that they are engulfed in flames—a truly spectacular sight!
4. Goroka Show
Held annually in Goroka, the capital of Eastern Highlands Province, the Goroka Show is one of Papua New Guinea's most popular sing-sings festivals. The event began in 1950s and has grown into a large cultural gathering that includes singing and dancing competitions, cultural displays of ancestral dress, and more. The Goroka Show is typically held in September around the country's Independence Day, September 16th.
5. National Kenu and Kundu Festival
Held every year on the first weekend of November in the coastal town of Alotau, Milne Bay Province, in the southeast of Papua New Guinea, the Kenu and Kundu Festival celebrates the region's maritime heritage. The highlight of the festival is a series of canoe races in traditional outrigger canoes, which are paddled by teams of up to 20 people.
Asaro Mudman Papua, New Guinea
6. The National Mask and Warwagira Festival
Held annually in Kokopo capital of East New Britain Province in Papua New Guinea. The impressive festival features cultural performances by some of Papua New Guinea's most famous mask dancers, who don intricate masks and costumes while telling stories through their dance movements. The Mask Festival is usually held in July.
7. Tumbuna Sing-Sing
The Tumbuna Sing-Sing is another excellent opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of PNG firsthand. This smaller festival celebrates the tumbuna, 'pasin bilong tumbuna,' - the way of the ancestors, with song, dance, and traditional food and drink. Visitors to the village can also participate in ritual ceremonies and learn about PNG's history and unique cultural heritage.
8. The Sepik Crocodile Festival
This festival celebrates the common (but still dangerous!) crocodiles of Papua New Guinea's Sepik River. Held in August, the event features ritual dances and ceremonies dedicated to the animal's special bond with man.
9. The Morobe Show
Held every October on the weekend closest to the full moon in Lae City, the Morobe Show is the only event of its kind. The event features a variety of activities related to agriculture, horticulture, and livestock. The main attractions at the show include cowboy events, traditional dancing, rides and entertainment as well as daredevil bike riders.
Enga Men, Papua New Guinea
10. Enga Cultural Show
Held annually in Papua New Guinea's Enga Province, the Enga Cultural Show celebrates the area's local culture and traditions. The sing-sing event features spell casting, ritual offerings, and dancing, as well as displays of artworks and handicrafts.
11. Hiri Moale Festival
The Hiri Moale Festival is a unique event that takes place in Ela Beach, near the city of Port Moresby. This festival celebrates the Hiri Seafaring Trade, which was a traditional system of trade between the islands of Papua New Guinea.
Today, the festival is a chance for people to experience this traditional way of life. During the festival, canoes travel between villages, and traders exchange goods.
12. Kutubu Kundu and Digaso Festival
In Papua New Guinea's Southern Highlands province, the Kutubu Kundu and Digaso Festival is one of the country's most vibrant cultural events. The festival celebrates kutubu (traditional drums) and the Digaso oil. Visitors can also enjoy sing-sing performances as well as a variety of foods and crafts. The festival will take place from September 21 - 23, 2023.
In our next update, we'll cover the Wutung Cultural Show and Jiwaka Cultural Show.
Papua New Guinea is a fascinating country with an incredibly rich culture. The festivals we've listed are just a small taste of the amazing celebrations you can experience there. If you're lucky enough to be able to attend one of these events, be sure to engage and live every minute.
At Miru Adventures, we offer exclusive cultural tours of Papua New Guinea. With over 30 years of experience, our distinguished guide promises you an unforgettable journey while learning about Papua New Guinea's colorful culture and rich history. Contact us today to start planning your adventure of a lifetime.
