More than 10 canoes ferrying three groups of tumbuans and dukduks from Siar, Kokopo and the Duke of York Island, set sail for the Kokopo beachfront this morning.
As they neared shores, the tumbuans and dukduks started performing their feats to the loud singing and chanting of the men that accompanied them.
The kinawai, a prelude of the National Mask Festival in Rabaul, East New Britain Province, began at 6.50am today.
“Unlike previous years, this year saw a neat orientation of the display of tumbuans,” said an onlooker.
The beach was filled with locals and tourists who strained to catch a glimpse of the magical cultural performance.
“We were recommended to come here for holidays and I found out about the Festival much later so it was perfect timing,” said a tourist at the arena.
This two-day event will be held from July 14-15 at the Tolai Warwagira field, adjacent to the Gazelle International Hotel.
More to come.
