Milne Bay’s biggest cultural event

The festival has grown from strength to strength, edging Milne Bay Province to the forefront of tourism in PNG.

It is also this year’s last cultural festival, according to the Tourism Promotion Authority – PNG Cultural and Special Events Booklet 2016.

The festival was first held in Alotau in 2003 and this year will see the 13th National Kenu and Kundu Festival.

The Festival is a celebration of the traditional sailing canoes and kundu drums that are an integral part of life in Milne Bay.

The canoes and drums were used in the community’s traditional ceremonies and rituals and were crafted under specific customs in order to appease the gods and achieve the best results.

The event takes place annually on the first weekend of November and features dance performances, lifestyle demonstrations, live music and more.

Other activities include arts and crafts displays, string band competitions and traditional and contemporary drama performances.

The annual Kenu and Kundu Festival will be held on the 4th - 6th of November, 2016, in Alotau, Milne Bay Province.

Photo caption: Traditional war canoes in Alotau, Milne Bay Province.

Photo credit: Colin Taimbari