Mt. Hagen Cultural Show – The True Spirit of Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea is one of the most culturally diverse countries on Earth, with over 850 indigenous languages and at least as many traditional societies, out of a population of just under seven million. It is also one of the most rural, as only 18% of its people live in urban centres. The country is one of the world's least explored, culturally and geographically, and many undiscovered species of plants and animals are thought to exist in the interior of Papua New Guinea.

To the outside world, Papua New Guinea is known as the land of the unexpected. A truly remarkable land. A melting pot. The true spirit of this land is hidden in the heart of PNG, entangled in the vast tropical rainforest, casts behind towering misty Blue Mountains, and swept beneath raging rivers.  

This PNG Spirit comes alive once every year through The Mt. Hagen Cultural Show.

The Mt. Hagen Cultural Show is an annual function that takes place in two days in the month of August. It displays a variety of unique diversity of the traditional PNG culture in all its glory. The show is a wonderful masterpiece where all of PNG is displayed in one location. It is one of the most extraordinary sights ever witnessed by international travellers. 

This two day event August 13 & 14 will showcase the colourful and vibrant, diverse and complex culture of the Highlands and Lowlands of Papua New Guinea. The country takes pride in its cultural beauty and exquisiteness. With nearly 1000 different cultural groups existing in PNG each with its own distinguished language, art, dance, costumes, singing, music, architecture and much more.

 Full traditional attire (locally known as bilas) will be worn and majestically displayed by both the local tribesmen and women of PNG. Under the baking tropical sun of the pacific, witness, as dancers and tribal warriors from the highlands regions stomp (as if to battle) into the field fully clothed in traditional bilas sending out an electric wave of awe. Gazers will be simply mesmerised by their rich costumes, painted faces and elegant features. Wearing a crown of specially selected range of bird feathers, a breastplate of the world-famous kina shell and a part billum skirt of woven wool together with animal fur (to name a few), you will be captivated by their energy and beauty.

Dancers from all parts of the country will perform in their own style, traditional music will be played, a showcase of some of PNGs most prestigious animals will be on display, world classed arts and crafts will be available and lots of interesting information will be on offer.

We invite you to share our culture. This is a once in a life time show, venturing into the very heart of the Melanesian Society ways.  The simplicity yet extravagance display of PNG Highlands Culture will take your breath away.

For the weekend visit or more information about the Mt. Hagen Cultural Show please do contact us on Email: pac.inter@ymail.com or Mobile: (675) 73806665. A Community Development initiative of promoting tourism in Mt. Hagen through the Pac-Inter Development Tourism Service.

Story and photographic by Cassidey Paiyala - UPNG Student.