Each year Papua New Guinea hosts a series of colourful festivals, and whilst the country's remote highland provinces are often most associated with spectacular sights and mesmerising performances, the coastal regions are also host to a number of not-to-be missed cultural encounters. 

Here's a round up of some of Papua New Guinea's most captivating coastal festivals to provide a little inspiration of what awaits the cultural traveller when restrictions lift and we are free to explore the world once again: 

The National Mask & Warwagira Festival

When: Annually in July 

Where: Kokopo/Rabaul

The National Mask & Warwagira Festival promotes the unique mask cultures of East New Britain Province. The Festival is an extravaganza of cultural dancing, ritual performance, story-telling and exchange. The first day of the festival includes the 'Kinavai' - the arrival of the Tolai 'Tubuans' and 'Duk-Duks' at dawn. Witness the traditional Tolai shell money exchanges that mark the opening of the festival. At night, the Baining people who live in the mountains invite visitors to watch as men perform brave dances through blazing fires. The 2020 National Mask & Warwagira Festival will mark the 26th anniversary of the event and takes place from July 8th to 12th, in Kokopo at the Ralum showground.

For more information visit www.papuanewguinea.travel/events/national-mask-warwagira-festival or view last year's festival here www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8ctQzBpGxk&feature=youtu.be

Sepik River Crocodile Festival

When: Annually in August 

Where: Ambunti, East Sepik Region 

Papua New Guinea Sepik River clans are known for their spiritual and artistic association with the crocodile spirit and this festival, which takes place over three days, highlights its significance. The festival's sing-sings involve participants adorned with vivid body painting and wearing crocodile teeth necklaces, cassowary feathers, and grass skirts. The Sepik River hosts some of the world's largest saltwater and freshwater crocodile populations and the richness of life in this area is celebrated during the environmental WWF-supported festival. 

For more information visit www.papuanewguinea.travel/events/sepik-river-crocodile-festival

Frangipani Festival 

When: Annually in September 

Where: Rabaul, East New Britain

This lovely celebration sees the residents of Rabaul observe the rebirth of their coastal city destroyed by the volcanic eruptions of Mt. Tavurvur in 1994. Named after the frangipani flower, the town's signature bloom and the first plant to blossom in the midst of the ash, the festival brings together locals and former residents in the spirit of renewal and to strengthen the partnerships in rebuilding one of Papua New Guinea's most beloved historical towns. The day-long festival features traditional sing-sings, boat races and Baining fire dances. A performance by the Tolai whip dancers is a favourite highlight amongst guests. 

For more information visit www.papuanewguinea.travel/frangipani-festival-rabaul

Tufi Tapa Tattoo Festival 

When: Annually in November

Where: Tufi, Northern Oro Province

Two very iconic cultural traits are represented by the Tufi people in remote Oro Province: tattooing and tapa bark cloth. Tapa patterns and tattoo designs identify tribes and lineage and are highly respected when adorned. The Tufi Tapa Tattoo Festival is a colourful and engaging expo of performances and features female facial tattooing to mark girls transition into womanhood. Visitors can watch the production of prized tapa cloth with its glorious local designs that are famed among the Tufi people. Festival goers can also enjoy the natural scenic beauty of Tufi - lush green forests, spectacular fjords and a welcoming beach.  Spectacular scuba diving, snorkeling, hiking, and fishing spots are also close by.

For more information visit www.papuanewguinea.travel/events/tufi-tapa-and-tattoo-festival

Kenu and Kundu Canoe Festival

When: Annually in November 

Where: Alotau, Milne Bay Province

Set to the stunning backdrop of Milne Bay, one of Papua New Guinea's marine biodiversity hotspots, this festival has a South Pacific vibe as canoe races and marine skills celebrate the coastal people's affinity with the sea. Canoes and Kundu drums are widely used in traditional ceremonies and rituals. Brightly decorated canoes are meticulously crafted from special woods under strict customs to derive the very best results. Festival highlights include 'singsings' (cultural dances), canoe races and the arrival of the war canoes.  

For more information visit www.papuanewguinea.travel/Kenu-Kundu-Festival

To explore more Papua New Guinea events and festivals or for more information visit www.papuanewguinea.travel.

For those looking to enquire about tours and packages departing Australia, Crooked Compass (www.crooked-compass.com) specialises in organised small-group trips to Papua New Guinea's cultural festivals. Contact them to enquire about 2021 travel.

A selection of coastal festival images can be found here

For more information or images please contact Rachel Jones, PR Manager Papua New Guiena Tourism Promotion Authority, Australia & New Zealand

rachel@example.com.au / +61 (0)422085502