2020 Sepik Culture and Agriculture Show
Thursday, 10 December 2020
Renowned as a tribal heartland and home to some of Papua New Guinea’s most famous attractions, East Sepik is one of the most awe-inspiring and unique provinces of Papua New Guinea.
This densely forested region features tourism drawcards like the Sepik River, the Haus Tambaran (Spirit Houses), and a reverence for crocodiles that has resulted in the tradition of the Crocodile men of PNG.
All this culture, tradition and more will be showcased when the region plays host to the Sepik Culture and Agriculture Show from December 11 to 13.
Here’s a rundown of what’s on offer at one of the premier events on Papua New Guinea’s festival calendar.
East Sepik Province
East Sepik Province is one of the most magical and mystical provinces of Papua New Guinea. Here, the mighty Sepik River dominates the landscape, wending its way through the province and providing a lifeblood to the people who reside here.
Renowned as the Amazon of Papua New Guinea, the Sepik is the country’s longest river, and its third largest in volume. It is also one of the most intact and pristine freshwater basins in the Asia-Pacific region.
Over 500,000 people depend on the Sepik for their livelihood, while the system is also home to extensive birdlife, 76 endemic mammal species, and some of the world’s largest populations of both saltwater and freshwater crocodiles.
Local villagers have lived along the Sepik for millennia, forging their own unique customs and traditions. The region is home to tribes such as the Chambri, where a reverence for crocodiles is enshrined at the heart of male initiation and ancient culture.
Renowned for their scars which closely resemble the look and feel of a crocodile skin, Chambri people embark on a unique ritual as boys transition into adults.
The Chambri are among more than 100 villages and hamlets which line the banks of this epic river.
The Sepik Culture and Agriculture Show
Running from December 11 to 13, 2020, the Sepik Culture and Agriculture Show is among the events that celebrate this tradition and culture.
This year the event features the theme ‘Honouring Our Past, Embracing Our Future’ and will bring together hundreds of tribes and communities from within the East Sepik Province in a celebration of culture, agriculture, and commerce.
The event will also pay homage to two of the nation’s pre-eminent figures, honouring PNG’s first Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare, and also paying tribute to long-serving Parliamentarian Sir Peter Lus.
In the process, the festival will include:
- Sepik River Tours
- Island Tours
- Cultural performances
- A cocoa showcase
- Canoe Racing
When and where
The Sepik Culture and Agriculture Show will be held from December 11 to 13 at Sir Michael Somare Stadium, in Wewak, East Sepik Province.
More information is available at: Papua New Guinea Travel and Facebook
About Paga Hill Estate
Paga Hill Estate is a world-class, master-planned estate in the heart of Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The waterfront site is the first comprehensively planned multi-use development in Papua New Guinea to be enjoyed by both residents and visitors alike.
The all-inclusive development will include vibrant public spaces and waterfront promenade, luxury hotels, residential apartments, restaurants, retail, commercial space, a Trade, Exhibition & Cultural Centre, restoration of WWII relics, marina precinct and a nearby international cruise liner terminal.
