Dancers perform rituals in Guam

Story and picture by BOLA NOHO in Guam
THE Papua New Guinea delegation’s cultural performances at the Festival of Pacific Arts in Guam continue to hit the airwaves and daily newspapers of Guam.
The cultural dance enacting the rituals and initiation ceremony of young girls in East Sepik was performed by women from that province at Sagan Bisita village outside Paseo De Suzanna, the main festival village.
The story and pictures made it on one of the Guam’s daily newspapers giving the PNG delegates confidence that they were doing well.
The initiation of girls in PNG is a rare event. The ceremony in this part of the country is sacred and only the initiated women can take part in the dances and rituals.
To most Pacific islanders and the young generation, such cultural practices are new to them.
The traditional cultures and arts in PNG are alive and active despite the impact of Western influence on the shores of PNG.
The dances encourage Papua New Guineans to preserve, protect, safeguard and promote traditional arts and cultural heritage.
The performances of the PNG cultural groups at the festival have been appreciated by Pacific islanders.
The festival organisers ensure that the delegates are fed, equipped and well looked after while they continue to put up the breath-taking performances.
But most of the activities and performances at the festival village and the venues around Guam are starting to wind down.
PNG delegates have only two performances left before the closing ceremony on Saturday evening.
The performers are looking to put more energy to finish off on a high note.
The Festival of Pacific Arts will end today (Friday) but the official closing ceremony is tomorrow.