Fire dance festival unites clans

THE inaugural Fire Dance Festival to be held at Gaulim on Oct 19 has brought together unity, reflection and deep appreciation among the Baining clans in Gazelle, East New Britain.
Over the years, the Baining fire dance has gained popularity outside of its traditional territory of performance and gradually began to appear in local shows, festivals and other celebrations in the province, and this has been a major concern raised by Baining leaders.
Gazelle MP Jelta Wong has played an instrumental role in supporting local leaders to host the Fire Dance Festival at Gaulim.
Wong said the festival had the potential to generate socio-economic benefits for the local people.
He said that it was also important to protect Gazelle’s unique identity.
Wong said he recruited the help of cultural expert Dr Jacob Simet, who has 25 years with the National Cultural Commission, to oversee the festival and see to it that effective protective measures were in place to ensure the event was run successfully.
Gaulim ward executive chairman Gabriel Pitalai said preparations began last month and all Baining clans were involved.
“There is a feeling of unity among us which was not evident in the past,” he said.
“This festival has brought all of us together.
“We are now holding hands and coming together to prepare.
“Different cultural groups are eager to perform and we are all willing to put our past behind us and work together.”
Wong said that he was pleased to see his people working together.
“This event will always run as long as there is a united front from all the people of Gazelle,” he said.
“This festival is a celebration of our culture, first and foremost; if it becomes a major tourist attraction that is a bonus; it’s here for the district to enjoy.”