Mt Hagen’s 53rd cultural show attracts tourists

 THE 53rd annual Mt Hagen cultural show, held at the Rebiamul oval last weekend, attracted more than 300 tourists and 65 cultural singsing (dancing) groups from various provinces.

Tourists came from Australia, Europe, Israel, China and other Asian countries while singsing groups came from Manus, Hela, Chimbu, Morobe and New Ireland.

National Cultural Commission (NCC) director Obone Kaiku, Dei MP Wesley Nukundi and provincial administrator Joseph Neng were present at the opening.

The NCC gave K5,000 to the show. Nukundi officially opened the show on behalf of the Culture and Tourism Minister Boka Kondra.

“I commend the people and the cultural singsing groups for theirparticipation in making this event become a success,” Nukundi said.

“If we look after and protect our culture then this can be an area to generate revenue for the country.

“Look at the number of tourists who are here to see our culture, at the same time they are bringing in money.”

He thanked the sponsors – Digicel, SP Brewery, National Gaming Control Board, Coca Cola and Dae Won Trading – for helping to make the show a success. 

Kaiku said culture could be preserved and protected to make money.

“This is another of making money and I urged you to look after it properly because it is very much important,” he said.

Show coordinator Gabriel Kuntina said they planned to make the show a national event.

“I promise each and every one of you that the biggest one will be staged next year as we will bring the entire traditional singsing groups and activities throughout the country to participate,” he said.