Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020

Duration of the Goroka show

Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Papua New Guinea

Hello,

does anybody know when exactly does the festival start and end (Friday evening or Saturday morning till Sunday afternoon)? And is it worth to stay both days or have you seen everything after one day?

Thanks a lot,

Bernd

haven't seen it but here's the main page for events:
http://www.papuanewguinea.travel/PicsHotel/PNGTA/CustomPages/PNGProductsPresEvents.aspx?IDEventType=2&rqEventCategory=16&ID=1609&IDL=13&IDType=322
"Goroka Show
Date: 16/09/2016
Finish Date: 18/09/2016
Goroka Show
The ‘Goroka Show’ is a significant cultural event in the Highlands region of Papua New Guinea (PNG).

The 2016 Goroka Show celebrates its 60th Anniversary and is set to be an even more spectacular cultural event complete with fireworks and fun activities for the whole family. The show begins on Independence Day September 16th and ends September 18th.
The Goroka Show aims to once more provide the best in cultural entertainment to the people of the Eastern Highlands Province and make visitors feel welcome from Papua New Guinea and around the world.

Held every year during the weekend closest to Independence Day, the Goroka Show is Papua New Guinea's most well-known tribal gathering and cultural event.
More than 100 tribes participate in the event performing extraordinary displays of 'singsings' - traditional songs, dances and ritual performances.

The staging of the Goroka Show began in 1957 and was first introduced and organized by Australian patrol officers known locally as 'kiaps'. Kiaps from each district built round houses typical of their districts where they displayed the various and unique cultures of the people living there. The kiaps brought in 'singsing' groups from surrounding areas. It created an entertaining weekend for everyone in the Province helping people forget their tribal differences.

Sounds like two days would be worth the time...hope it fits in with your other plans.

1

Hi Bernd. I made contact with a woman who is involved with organising the show - her name is Keryn Hargreaves and she should be able to give you exact times and detailed info. Her email address is gorokashow2014@gmail.com. She writes
"Thank-you for your email, and great to hear you are coming to the Goroka Show. Most tourist come for the two days, Saturday and Sunday. That's where the 150 singsing groups preform. Friday September 16 is Pikinini Festival. This will be our second year to host Pikinini Festival. It's mainly for the children. I would recommend Saturday and Sunday. VIP passes are sold at the Bird of Paradise Hotel. Hope this helps."
See you at the show maybe!

2

This topic has been automatically locked due to inactivity. Email community@lonelyplanet.com if you would like to add to this topic and we'll unlock it for you.

3