RABAUL FRANGIPANI FESTIVAL

PAPUA NEW GUINEA TOURISM TIMELINE

By Elizabeth Makis

The first flower to bloom after the volcanic eruption is Pegipegi (local language for ‘frangipani’), pointing to one of the many Frangipani plants growing around Rabaul Hotel, a local tour guide and Deputy President and Chairman for Rabaul Historical Society , Albert Koni, proudly stated as he sat humbly under a canopy-style terrace at Rabaul Hotel and tells of the history of Frangipani Festival as he grinned from ear to ear.

The Pegipegi (Frangipani) is the historical link and significance that point to the volcanic eruptions of Mt. Vulcan and Tavurvur in 1937 and 1994 which holds a special place in the hearts of almost all of East New Britain Province. This now merged into the East New Britain culture and is commemorated annually as the Frangipani Festival.

This festival memorial usually goes in line with the country’s Independence Anniversary that happens once a year on the 16th of September. As for the

Frangipani Festival, it happens on the 16th and 17th where Independence falls on 16th.

Sharing the same sentiments of a new beginning as an independent nation, East New Britain also looks forward to its new stages and growth as a new province after the devastation of the volcanic eruptions that has ruined all of Rabaul township.

Named after the frangipani flower, the town’s signature bloom and the first plant to blossom in the midst of the ash, the festival brings together locals and former residents in the spirit of renewal to strengthen the partnerships in rebuilding one of Papua New Guinea’s most historical towns.

“The 1994 eruption was on the 19th of September and we sort of bring the Frangipani Festival with the Independence celebration for Papua New Guinea together”, explained the tour guide Albert Koni.

The tragedy of the twin volcanic eruption happened on the morning of Sept 19, 1994 as Vulcan and Tavurvur erupted and formed an ash cloud more than 18km above Rabaul. The eruption caused about 30,000 people to be evacuated from the town and massive damages to buildings and other structures.

“After the twin volcanic eruptions in 1994, Frangipani Festival started as a fundraising event. In years later, it became an annual social event called the Frangipani Festival”, said Albert Koni.

According to the Rabaul Historical website, it states that the Frangipani

Festival is a grassroots event, managed by volunteers and financed through the generous support of sponsors like the East New Britain Provincial government and local business houses in Kokopo and Rabaul.

The funds raised usually goes to the Rabaul Museum.

Meanwhile, Mr. Koni said that Rabaul Historical Society is the main organizer for this event.

“Frangipani Festival started off in Rabaul and Rabaul Historical Society, we are the forerunners. We always organized this event in Rabaul alone”, said Koni.

For this year, it’ll be the 86th Anniversary commemoration for the 1937 Volcanic eruption and 29th Anniversary for the Twin Volcanic Eruptions in 1994.

The festival will commence on the 16th and finished on 17th September, 2023 at Kalabond Oval.

Moreso, this special festival celebrates the rebirth of Rabaul after the 1994 twin volcanic eruptions that almost completely destroyed the Rabaul township.