The Mount Hagen Cultural Show is a flamboyant showcase of the rich history of the region.
Courtesy : dbijapkm3o6fj.cloudfront.net
Held since 1964, the Mount Hagen Cultural Show is the condensation of thousands of years of culture. The festival was first held before Papua New Guinea‘s independence from Australian colonial rule, to unify the numerous tribes. The show brings together tribes from all over the Western Highlands Province of PNG and other neighbouring tribes from the Highlands region in the township of Mt. Hagen.
Exciting cultural performances involving traditional dances, singing and ritual are an integral part of the show with the main focus being on camaraderie and oneness among the local, indigenous populations.
This tradition or gathering is known as a Sing-Sing, providing the opportunity for visitors to witness tribal traditions in an explosion of color and sound. Local entertainers perform during the show along with arts and crafts on display.
Being a major tourist attraction, scores of people enjoy the shows that are presented in the spirit of peaceful gathering. Bright colors in the form of decorations, costumes and body paint extend across the grounds, and the event becomes a competition for bragging rights featuring elaborate costumes, headdresses and displays of cultural identity.
