Mt. Hagen Cutlural Show to regain its former glory days

By Kewe Stanley  

The Mt. Hagen Cultural Show is striving to regain its once popular moments in the early 1970s and late 1980s.  The festival was once known as famous with world renowned artist Sekas Bruno performing live and an elephant from Africa was brought in to attract crowds.  

These were the moments remembered and uttered by Western Highlands Province Department of Commerce, Culture and Tourism Program Manager and Mt. Hagen Cultural Show Committee Executive Officer Mr. Gabriel Kuntina.  

The memories of the show in those glory days still linger on for those who witnessed it.

Gaim Engwal's Kuru-dance

 “This year we are planning on reigniting the once popular fame by staging various exiting activities like greasy pole, string walking and sky diving amongst others,” Mr. Kuntina said.

“We have an aim of promoting our culture and as well agriculture. Western Highlands Province is known for producing some fresh organic vegetables and fruits. With the current government’s naming the province as agriculture hub, we wish to invite various farmers to display their food crops,” he said.

There is also a need to involve the younger generation because of the culture that is dying out too fast.

“We have been thinking of inviting the schools in the province to encourage the young population to participate and take pride in their cultures,” he added.

The only fall-back is the finance, which according to the chief executive officer a budget of one million would account for the various activities and programs that the show committee would want showcase.

Last year there were about 300-400 overseas tourists attended the show. This year the number should increase as we are moving the show field to Kagamuga with many cultural, agricultural and creative activities.

The show is looking on attracting 20-30 thousand people with tourists from overseas.

Invitations have been sent out to various shareholders and corporates clients for sponsorship. 

 The show aims to encourage more travelers including backpackers, contact local Niugini Exotic Tours for backpacking to Mt. Hagen Cultural Show via email at: howarigc@gmail.com or SMS: 73081368.  

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