Mask, Warwagira Festival in East New Britain starts

THE National Mask and Warwagira Festival begins in East New Britain today.
Many businesshouses are supporting the festival which is expected to be bigger and better. The theme is “Culture preservation – youth engagement and empowerment”.
Bank South Pacific continued its support for the festival with K10,000. BSP Kokopo branch manager Joe Makinta said the bank recognised the importance of promoting and showcasing cultural values.
He said BSP had been supportive of the festival as part of its commitment to the majority of its local customers nationwide and to give back to the community.
“We believe our support will help East New Britain and the people to promote festival so that our next generation and customers must not forget their culture,” he said.
Organising committee chairman Isaac Ilom said the annual event was to empower and engage youths so they did not forget their cultures.
It will begin with the famous Kinavai featuring Tolai Tubuan Mask from Rabaul district, namely Talvat, Matupit and Baai, at the Omorong beach in Kokopo.
The festival will run from July 11 to 15 at Ralum showground in Kokopo town.