Attraction Guide: Mount Hagen Cultural Show, Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea

Mount Hagen Cultural Show Guide

A Spectacle of Tradition: Experience the Mount Hagen Cultural Show Guide

The Mount Hagen Cultural Show is a vibrant and spectacular annual event held in Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea. It's a celebration of the diverse cultures and traditions of the Western Highlands region, bringing together tribes from across the province to showcase their unique dances, music, costumes, and rituals. This is a truly immersive experience that offers visitors a rare glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Papua New Guinea. The Mount Hagen Cultural Show began in 1961 as a way to promote understanding and unity among the different tribes of the region. In the early days of Papua New Guinea's independence movement, the show served as a platform for cultural expression and national identity. Over the years, it has grown into a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world. The show continues to play an important role in preserving and promoting the cultural traditions of the Western Highlands. The Mount Hagen Cultural Show is a feast for the senses. Visitors can witness breathtaking performances of traditional dances, accompanied by rhythmic drumming and chanting. The elaborate costumes, adorned with feathers, shells, and body paint, are a sight to behold. The show also features displays of traditional crafts, demonstrations of traditional cooking methods, and opportunities to interact with members of the different tribes. It's a chance to learn about the unique customs, beliefs, and way of life of the people of the Western Highlands. As mentioned before, be sure to try "Mumu," a traditional cooking method where food is cooked in an underground oven using hot stones.