Goroka Show : Eastern Highlands, Papua New Guinea

By Tristan Tancredi

A gathering of cultures, an expression of dance and song and an opportunity to portray PNG's vast array of customs, costumes and colours. These words best sum up the Eastern Highlands Cultural show, or as it is more widely known the Goroka Show.

Goroka is situated along the notorious highlands highway, approximately 4 hours drive from Lae. An airport sits within the very centre of Goroka that can be reached from most of the major airports in PNG. Air Niugini flies from Port Moresby a few times a week for a decent price. So its easier and safer to take a flight into Goroka rather than risking the highway.

Anybody who has ever ventured to Goroka will be aware of how small the city is. Everywhere is walkable. The major hotels are close to the airport, as are the shopping centres and street markets. The Goroka show is held at the NSI (National Sports Institute) which is only 15 minutes walk from the major hotels.

VIP tickets can be purchased before the event and this entitles patrons to grandstand seating and up close access to the Sing Sing groups throughout the mornings. However, most local people and some tourists tend to buy tickets at the gate. This gets you inside the NSI and viewings of the Sing Sing groups from behind a fence. However, from about 1:00pm the VIP access is open for everybody.

Approximately 100 tribes gather for the days events from provinces all over Papua New Guinea. The show dates back to 1957 when the first Goroka Show took place. Organised by Australian Kiaps (Patrol Officers), the first Goroka Show involved Kiaps building round houses typical of their districts, the Kiaps also brought in Sing Sing groups from their provinces.

Held during the week of Papua New Guineas Independence day (16th September), the three day show delivers an insight into the hidden PNG customs and traditions. Glorious colours continually swaying across the ovals in a beautiful display of dance. Traditional songs are belted out all day with an undeniable passion. Live music, karaoke, face painting, food, drinks and sponsorship tents are scattered throughout the grounds for patrons.

The best advice to give if you are planning to attend the Goroka Show would be:

• Keep a close eye on all of your valuables
• Bring sunscreen and a hat
• Organise accommodation in advance

As you would expect Goroka gets extremely busy throughout the festival, so organising accommodation is a priority before you leave. The NSI offers cheap accommodation but their rooms are often sold out months before the show begins. The major hotels in Goroka, The Bird of Paradise and the Pacific Hotel boost their room prices throughout this period.

Papua New Guinea has molded itself on the phrase The land of the unexpected and for good reason. The Goroka Show does have its time management hiccups, but then it wouldn't be PNG if everything ran on time. All in all, it's a great experience.