12th Festival of Pacific Arts

PNG is really going traditional and is among a handful of Pacific nations whose traditional culture is pure and traditional.

As far as PNG’s performances at the festival venues is concerned the PNG’s participants, about 56 delegates arrived last Wednesday in Guam.

The trip to Guam via Hong Kong, Manila then to Guam was long and tiring but PNG delegates endured it because they were determined to let the whole Pacific region know that PNG has something unique to give to the rest of the Pacific.

The region’s premiere cultural event, first held in 1972, has a long and distinguished history that the Pacific Community (SPC), as custodian, is proud to be closely associated with. 

“During Festpac we will realise that despite our differences, we are one people of the Pacific. This united spirit of the Pacific will make it clear to the rest of the world who we are,” Guam’s First Lady and Honorary Chair of the Festival Organising Committee, Christine Calvo, said during the seven-hour ceremony in the capital, Hagatna, on Sunday.

Opening ceremony is slated for May 22nd, 2016.

155 participants from Palau consisting of various artists and performers have been confirmed, according to Minister Chilton Expected date of departure is 19 May on a charter flight. Minister reports that they expect to have everyone ready by then.

“Such large delegation is possible due to Guam’s proximity to Palau,” reported Minister Chilton.