With more than 800 languages and tribes, the 15th Pacific Games opening ceremony was hailed as a success in highlighting PNG’s cultural diversity.
People came from overseas and provinces outside the NCD to watch the show.
Cyrilla Bennett from Solomon Islands has three sons in the national rugby sevens team and is here to watch them play.
Bennett said the ceremony was beautiful, unique and colourful and the PNG people should be proud of themselves.
“I liked the chanting and dancing as it spoke best of their culture,” the Solomon Islander said.
22 provincial groups participated in the ceremony.
Kaivila Omai travelled in from the Western Province to watch the ceremony and said it was worth it.
“Although many people were criticizing that we were going to be late, the organisers have pulled it off well,” he said.
Proud Papua New Guinean Lynda Sirigoi was blown away by the cultural diversity blended with modern activities which gave it a more contemporary look.
“Well done to the organisers Makoda and everybody who participated, they did a great job and did us proud,” Sirigoi said.
Teenagers Kristobella Haro and Kelly Anelerson enjoyed the fireworks and performances from athletes from other countries.
More than 15,000 people watched the ceremony live at the BSP stadium and millions of viewers on television.