Alotau Canoe Festival
Mount Hagen Show
Rabaul Mask Festival

Dates & Prices

Mt HAGEN CULTURAL SHOW - AUGUST 2010

Mt. Hagen Cultural Show was first staged in 1964 by many different tribes from Western Highlands Province as a means of (1) sharing the cultural experience with each other, (2) to calm the ever-present tribal animosities and enmities by bringing all tribes together in a one cultural event to expose the positive side of life, (3) and to celebrate the diversity of cultures among the natives. In 1964, Papua New Guinea was still under its colonial power, Australia. Between 1964 and 2002, there has been some huge paradigm shifts; one being so obvious is the show's focus. The Mt. Hagen Cultural Show has changed its focus from the aforementioned three reasons to a new one, that is, performing for the tourists. Mt. Hagen Cultural Show of today is therefore, an international and domestic tourist attraction event. Also, there are prize monies to be won by the best performing cultural group, thus the competition is aggressive, yet colorful and exciting.

This show is THE biggest cultural event in the entire Papua New Guinea. The two days are one of the busiest days, exciting, and adrenalin pumping.

Over 50 different cultural groups perform their different dances (or "singsings") for the tourists. The show in itself is a competition where prize monies are set in order for the best performers. Also, local musicians and other modern entertainment events or attractions occur during the show.