The Alotau Cultural Festival

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Among the many wonderful excursions offered during your stay in Papua New Guinea, the Alotau Festival is one exciting experience not to be missed. This colorful and entertaining cultural extravaganza showcases the skills and talents of the various cultures of the Milne Bay Province so be sure to bring a camera - you'll want to capture every memorable moment.

Your day begins as you transfer by local bus to Alotau's bustling and lively festival grounds for Wanigili, which means "a gathering of people. As you approach, the sounds of the hourglass-shaped kundu drums and vibrant chanting fill the air and once you disembark you'll be warmly welcomed into the festival. Then, you have free time to plan as you please and set your own pace; transfers will travel back and forth between the ship.

Here, you'll find a wide range of activities including the excitement of the elaborately decorated Lopo war canoes, bearing up to 25 warriors traditionally dressed and displaying their paddling prowess and the skills involved in manoeuvring a canoe and learn the various rituals involved (subject to weather).

For centuries, kundu drums and canoes have played an important role in local ceremonies and rituals and were meticulously crafted from special woods under strict customs to achieve the best results and to appease the gods.

Take a stroll around the festival and enjoy the explosion of color, the vibrant chanting and marvel at the contemporary and traditional Papua New Guinea culture and entertainment.

Traditional dancing groups come from far and wide (including parts of the Papuan Region) to perform and demonstrations and rituals common to the Melanesian way of life are on full display throughout the grounds.

Watch clay pot cooking and learn how age-old recipes are still used. Browse through the stalls of arts and crafts and shop for souvenirs, locally made gifts and artwork created by contemporary local artists. Enjoy a relaxing massage by a professional local masseur at the beachside hut or have your hair braided.

The festival also overflows with a variety of performances - string bands, contemporary body art dancers and musicians all add to this rich experience.

When hunger calls you may like to purchase (own expense) any of the tasty dishes served up at the festival. Local cuisine includes a variety of nuts, fruits and vegetables. Chicken and pork are often cooked in a traditional fire pit called a mumu.

Later, when you're ready to return to the ship, just jump back aboard a departing transfer.