Papua New Guinea is made up of more than 800 unique cultural groups. Each of them is unique by its own, but it is not easy to visit all the tribes and see all the cultural performances during a trip. However, if you plan your trip to coincide the major festivals, you can enjoy them at once !! There are also other minor festivals around the country so even if your trip does not fall on to the major festivals, please ask if there is anything going.
May
Coffee Festival - Goroka
Celebrate the cultivation of coffee in Goroka, Coffee capital of Papua New Guinea. Sing Sing performance from all over the country, Exhibitions of Coffee related industry makes it unique festival.
2010 Schedule: 27-29 Jul, 2010
July
National Mask Festival - Rabaul
Showcase the Mask Culture of Papua New Guinea, mainly from Islands region – New Britain, New Ireland, Bougainville. Highlights of the show include the Kinavai ceremony of Tubuan secret society by Tolai Tribe, and exiting Fire dance performance by Bining Tribe.
2010 Schedule: 14-17 Jul, 2010
August
Mt Hagen Show - Mt Hagen
Many tribes from Highlands and as far as Morobe, Madang, Sepik gather to contest how their tradition is superior than others. The show was bi-annually held (with Goroka Show) but became annual event and attracts many tourists from the world.
2010 Schedule: 14-15 Aug, 2010
September
Goroka Show - Goroka
Started in 1956 as an agriculture show, it became one of the fascinating festivals in the country. 50+different indigenous groups tirelessly dance and compete each other how fantastic their culture is.
2010 Schedule: 17-19 Sep 2010
September
Hiri Moale Festival - Central/Port Moresby
The festival is to celebrate the Hiri trade tradition of Motu tribe in Central Province and held over the independence weekend. The highlight includes Lagtoi (trade boat) approaching the shore and girls dance to welcome the return of the boat.
2010 Schedule: yet to be finalized
October
Morobe Show - Lae
This is the longest festival in Papua New Guinea. Villagers from remote Morobe province and other province come together for the Tropical Garden City, Lae to show their fine tradition.
2010 Schedule: 23-24 Oct 2010
November
Kundu & Canoe Festival - Alotau
The unique 3-days festival is showing the canoe culture of Milne Bay and coastal province. War & Trade canoes come from remote islands of Milne Bay and all the way from Western Province. The highlight includes Sing Sing (on Saturday), and War Canoe Racing (on Sunday)
2010 Schedule: 05-07 Nov 2010
Please note that due to limited infrastructure (hotel rooms, airplane capacity), it is recommended to book early. Especially Mt Hagen Show & Goroka Show needs to book early and it may be very expensive if you are traveling as FIT. For those interested in the Festival tours, please check with your travel agent for a escorted group tour, or our FIT Scheduled package.