Papua New Guinea is a country that is rich in culture and traditions. It is a land of diverse ethnic groups, each with its unique customs, beliefs, and practices. Papua New Guineans celebrate various public holidays throughout the year, which offer a glimpse into their rich cultural heritage.
In this article, we will explore the top 10 festivals, cultural shows, and traditional activities that take place during public holidays in PNG.
Check out the Gazetted Public Holiday PDF file here and download it!
Independence Day (September 16)
Independence Day is the most significant public holiday in Papua New Guinea. It marks the country's independence from Australia in 1975.
The day is celebrated with parades, cultural performances, and feasts. The main celebration takes place in the capital city of Port Moresby, where thousands of people gather to watch the colourful parade.
New Year's Day (January 1)
New Year's Day is a global celebration, and Papua New Guinea is no exception. The day is marked with fireworks, parties, and family gatherings.
Many people attend church services to thank God for the blessings of the past year and pray for the year ahead.
Easter
Easter is a Christian holiday that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
In Papua New Guinea, it is celebrated with religious services, parades, and feasts.
Many people also participate in traditional activities such as egg rolling and egg decorating.
Christmas (December 25)
Christmas is a significant public holiday in Papua New Guinea.
Although the country is predominantly Christian, the celebration of Christmas is a fusion of Christian and traditional customs.
Many people attend church services on Christmas Day, followed by family gatherings and feasts.
Hiri Moale Festival (September)
The Hiri Moale Festival is a cultural celebration that takes place in the Motu-Koitabu area of Papua New Guinea.
The festival commemorates the traditional trading voyage of the Motu-Koitabu people, who sailed hundreds of kilometres to trade goods with neighbouring villages.
It is marked by cultural performances, feasts, and the reenactment of the traditional trading voyage.
Ten young women are vying to be Queen, but this is about culture, not beauty. Get a glimpse into Port Moresby's annual Hiri Moale festival. This story was such a joy to shoot, all the contestants were so impressive. #PNG pic.twitter.com/YXIdZMngXc
— Natalie Whiting (@Nat_Whiting) May 2, 2022
Goroka Show (September)
The Goroka Show is a cultural extravaganza that takes place in the Eastern Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea.
The show brings together more than 100 different ethnic groups, each with its unique costumes, music, and dances.
The Goroka Show is one of the largest cultural festivals in the country, attracting thousands of visitors from all over the world.
Mt. Hagen Show (August)
The Mt. Hagen Show is another cultural festival that takes place in the Western Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea. The show is a celebration of the culture and traditions of the people of the highlands.
It is marked with cultural performances, traditional dances, and the famous "singsing" competitions.
Kenu and Kundu Festival (November)
The Kenu and Kundu Festival is a cultural celebration that takes place in Alotau, the capital of Milne Bay Province.
The festival is named after the traditional canoes (Kenu) and drums (Kundu) that are used in the celebrations. It is marked with cultural performances, traditional dances, and the reenactment of traditional canoe races.
Mask Festival (July)
The Mask Festival is a cultural celebration that takes place in the East New Britain Province of Papua New Guinea.
The festival is a showcase of the region's unique mask-making traditions, marked with cultural performances, traditional dances, and the display of the region's unique masks.
Sepik River Crocodile Festival (August)
The Sepik River Crocodile Festival is a cultural celebration that takes place in the Sepik River region of Papua New Guinea.
The festival is a showcase of the region's unique crocodile cult, which is a central aspect of the Sepik River culture.
It is marked with traditional dances, crocodile hunting demonstrations, and the display of traditional artefacts.
PNG Public Holidays 2024: Success Stories
The public holidays in Papua New Guinea are not just a time for celebration and enjoyment, but also a platform for economic growth and cultural exchange. Many of the festivals and cultural shows attract visitors from all over the world, providing opportunities for local businesses to thrive.
One success story is the Goroka Show, which has become a major tourist attraction in Papua New Guinea. According to the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority, the Goroka Show has generated over PGK 1.5 million (USD 435,000) in revenue for the local economy. The show has also created employment opportunities for local artisans, who make traditional costumes and artefacts for the festival.
Another success story is the Hiri Moale Festival, which has become a platform for cultural exchange between Papua New Guinea and other Pacific Island nations. The festival has attracted delegations from countries such as Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga, who come to witness the traditional trading voyage reenactment and showcase their own cultural performances.
The Kenu and Kundu Festival has also contributed to the economic growth of the Milne Bay Province. According to the Milne Bay Tourism Bureau, the festival has generated over PGK 500,000 (USD 145,000) in revenue for the local economy. The festival has also provided opportunities for local entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services, such as traditional arts and crafts, food, and accommodation.
PNG Public Holidays 2024 Dates
Public holidays in Papua New Guinea are not just a time for rest and relaxation but also a time for celebrating the country's rich cultural heritage.
The top 10 festivals, cultural shows, and traditional activities highlighted in this article offer a glimpse into the diversity of Papua New Guinea's ethnic groups and their unique customs and traditions.
These festivals and cultural shows not only provide opportunities for locals to showcase their talents and skills but also contribute to the economic growth of the country. They attract visitors from all over the world, who come to witness the cultural diversity of Papua New Guinea and contribute to the local economy.
Whether it's the colourful parades of Independence Day, the traditional trading voyage of the Hiri Moale Festival, or the unique mask-making traditions of the Mask Festival, public holidays in Papua New Guinea are a time for celebration, cultural exchange, and economic growth.
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