FESTIVALS

Annual mask festival in Kokopo (Tokua)

Hagen show Culture comes alive in a kaleidoscope of colour at the various shows that occur across the region annually.

MADANG FESTIVAL

Held over the King’s Birthday weekend in June each year, the Madang Festival celebrates the region’s rich culture with a colourful parade, canoe racing, sporting activities and stalls.

NATIONAL MASK FESTIVAL & WARWAGIRA

In July, the National Mask Festival in Rabaul brings the variety of the Papua New Guinean masks to one single celebration. The festival usually runs for four days and provides visitors with a fantastic array of performances including the Baining fire dancing, drumming, singing and fire-eating.

MONA FESTIVAL

Mona Festival, the largest cultural event in Bougainville, only launched in 2009 and is staged in Buka. The festival is dedicated to the traditional warrior canoes called ‘Monas’. Occurring in July each year, this colourful festival is said to celebrate the cultural diversity and autonomy that inspires peace and reconciliation in Bougainville today.

HAGEN SHOW

The Hagen Show highlights the rich culture of the Highlands region in a wonderful display of sing-sings. The show attracts around 50,000 visitors each year and is one of PNG’s oldest shows, launching back in 1961. Occurring in August each year, the show provides an insight into the fascinating customs of the local tribes.

Asaro Mudman tribe man in Mount Hagen festival

Native Dragon Dance Ceremony, Kopar Village, Sepik River

Enga cultural show in Wabag

Skeleton dance at Goroka Tribal Festival The Crocodile Festival is a three day event celebrating the local tribe’s cultural connection to the crocodile. Occurring in Ambunti in August, the festival showcases canoe racing and traditional performances

ENGA CULTURAL SHOW

One common dialect dominates the Enga Province, which makes it a particular drawcard for those visiting PNG. The Enga Festival is a time when locals can showcase their amazing culture. Held in August each year, enjoy the Engans’ famous sand painting and unique Sili Muli dancers.

DWU CULTURAL DAY

The Divine Word University Cultural Day, held in August, is an annual event that sees students come together to perform and celebrate their cultural heritage. For more information, call Divine Word University on +675 422 2937.

GOROKA SHOW

Held in September each year, the Goroka Show sees over a hundred tribes travel from far and wide for this spectacular event. Listen to the sound of beating kundu drums while watching unique cultures come together in celebration of their fascinating heritages.

HIRI MOALE SHOW

The Hiri Moale Show, held in Port Moresby in September on Independence Day, has become a premier cultural event. Like everything in PNG, the show illustrates a rich and symbolic history that reflects on age-old stories and customs. During the show, Ela Beach comes to life with stilt houses, colourful canoes and hundreds of people singing, dancing and celebrating tradition.

FRANGIPANI FESTIVAL

Occurring in Rabaul each September, the Frangipani Festival celebrates Independence Day. See the famous Baining Fire Dance, sing-sings, a float parade and more.

MOROBE CULTURAL SHOW

The Morobe Cultural Show in Lae is probably the most famous cultural show in PNG. It is held in October each year and provides visitors with agricultural information as well as showcases the largest group of sing-sings in PNG.

KENU & KUNDU FESTIVAL

With its rich connection to the water, the people of Milne Bay celebrate a canoe festival in November each year. More than 600 tribes from the surrounding islands participate in the festival and race to glory in their war canoes. The festival boasts plenty of other action-packed entertainment.

Events and dates do change from time to time. For up to date information on PNG cultural festivals, visit

www.papuanewguinea.travel