PNG culture to be on display at Fest-PAC in Hawaii

National Cultural Commission Executive Director Steven Kilanda and acting NCC Board Chairman Prof. Leo Marai with part of the PNG cultural ambassadors who departed Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby on Sunday. (Picture supplied: National Cultural Commission)

Islands scattered like dots in the vast Pacific Ocean, the people of Melanesia, Polynesia and Micronesia heritage will showcase their tradition in the biggest cultural extravaganza for Indigenous people of this region.

Hawaii, the island state of United States is the host of the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture.

National Cultural Commission Executive Director Steven Kilanda speaking to NBC online in Honolulu describe the festival as "one of the biggest event in the regional level, with 27 countries (and territories) participating (and) its the biggest gathering of indigenous people to showcase their cultures."

NCC Executive Director Steven Kilanda speaking to NBC Online in Hawaii. (NBC: Charles Yapumi)

The Festival of Arts and Culture opening ceremony willl be on Thursday local time, which is Friday, PNG time.

The host nation is anticipating engagement of over 2, 200 delegates, while aiming to draw attendance over some 100, 000 residents and visitors of its 10-day duration.

Mr Kilanda, while thanking the national government and people of PNG''s continuous financial support to showcase the country's culture in regional and international events, hinted on the future return of these investments.

"Its not a waste of time and resources... our culture need exposure (and) its an investment" for the next 5 -to-10 years to bring in more tourist into the country wanting to experience PNG unique cultures.

The goal of the Festival is to strengthen the physical and cultural resilience of Pacific Islanders and communities by cultivating connections to share culture and practices, learn and grow, adapt to changing climate, contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage, and foster a sense of identity and unity among the people of the Pacific Region.

National Cultural Commission Executive Manager David Taim said 117 Papua New Guineans will represent the country at the festival.

Apart from three traditional singsing groups from Morobe, Central and Chimbu provinces.

The glimpse into PNG culture will also feature bilum and basket weaving, visual arts and PNG international singer, Anslom Nakikus and Basline Band.

The festival was originally scheduled in 2020 but was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to the Council of Pacific Arts and Culture Council, "the new date in 2024 maintains the four-year cycle of festivals while maximizing the opportunity for delegations to participate as their nations recover from economic and social impacts of the pandemic."