The Tribal Festivals of Papua New Guinea
Experience customary dance, music, and ceremonial dress in a spectacular explosion of color and sound.
One of the most culturally diverse destinations in the world, Papua New Guinea is also home to some of the most incredible festivals, or Sing-Sings. These festivals are when tribes from all over Papa New Guinea come together to demonstrate their individual traditions, through song, rituals, and dress. Most festivals take place between July and September and vary wildly depending on location.
Perhaps the most recognized of all festivals is the Goroka Show, which takes place in September in the Eastern Highlands and attracts almost 100 tribes every year.
While the most well-known tribe in this region may be the Asaro Mudmen, others opt for an even more sinister look. Certain tribes daub their bodies in skeletal paint, so any invading tribes would think they have encountered ghosts or evil spirits.
The Sepik River Crocodile Festival pays homage to the fearsome reptiles who cohabit the Sepik River with the many different communities. The crocodile is revered, as it represents strength, power, and manhood. One of the most painful traditions is still practiced in this region, where men proudly wear scars resembling the features of a crocodile cut into their skin during a rite of passage into adulthood.
Taking place each year in August, this festival is one of the most remote in Papua New Guinea.
The terrain of East New Britain feels very different from the mainland. Here, the crystal clear waters and volcanic terrain are more reminiscent of Hawaii. The islands also have a tribal culture that differs from elsewhere in the country, with incredibly elaborate masks that take months to make and are often only worn once.
One of the most extraordinary performances is at the National Mask Festival every July – the Baining Fire Dance. Young men leap through fire and dance to hypnotic drum beats for hours, before concluding the ceremony by throwing their masks onto the flames.
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Rick Lunt
Originally from the Northwest of England, Rick has found his way to New York via the Czech Republic, Spain, and a myriad of other destinations. Rick dreams of owning a Hacienda in Mexico, but Asia has always been his main passion. In the last decade, highlights have included meals with Geisha in Japan and being adopted by the Asaro Mudmen in Papua New Guinea.
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