Bougain-ville, Melanesia is much more than an attractive vacation spot. It is an embodiment of tradition, culture and a combative spirit of a community. For the entire year, the island is always decorated, full of activities and festivals that enable the visitors to make contact with its people and feel what Bougainville is all about. In the following review, we will explore a number of festivals and events that enhance Bougainville’s attractiveness for the traveler who wishes to really get to know the place.
Cultural Festivals:
- Bougainville Cultural Festival: First of all, there is no limitation the number of the island cultures that share their unique traits during the annual Bougainville Cultural Festival. Traditional dances with local music accompanying; strong arts and crafts – you will find everything that makes the cultural diversity of Bougainville quite fascinating.
- Kokopu Festival: Participate in a rich festive celebration in honor of the Kokopu people with their own distinctive culture – the Kokopu Festival. The journey goes from traditional activities affluent in ornate rituals to the right way of holidaying – this event serves tourists with the best snippets of the Kokopu history and people.
Religious Festivals
- Easter Celebrations: The Christian population during Easter is highly devoted and this can be evidenced in the Various stake of Bougainville. Inside churches, outside in the processions and jubilations of all sorts during the day of Jesus Christ’s resurrection, so much activity can be observed.
- Christmas Festivities: Every other region around the world has something unique and special for Christmas. Rather than being accepted as a mere feast where all Bougainville people simply remember the birth of Jesus Christ, in fact active participation comes out in all Bougainville celebrations.
Food and Drink Festivals:
- Bougainville Food and Wine Festival: Give your taste buds a treat at the Bougainville Food and Wine Festival as a host of local chefs bring to life the island’s cuisine. Bougainville’s mouthwatering offerings from sea foods to tropical fruits come with a collection of drinks including wines and beverages.
- Sago Festival: Every year the Sago Festival is held to honor and celebrate bougainville’s main food source, sago. Here you can taste lots of different dishes made from sag as well as take cooking classes and discover the traditions of the island in more depth.
Music and Arts Festivals:
- Melanesian Arts and Music Festival: Listen, dance, and sing along to music and songs of the melanesian region during its arts and music festival. It encompasses traditional drum beats as well as current day events, revealing the musical depth of the area.
- Bougainville Craft & Art Fair: Enjoy Bougainville Arts and Crafts Fair with the many works of the local artists of Bougainville. Many items like clothes, ceramic pots, wood drawings, and even ornaments are for sale making it hard to resist leaving without any purchase.
Sports Events:
- Bougainville cup: Enjoy novelty and excitement of the sport of kings and queens at the Bougainville cup held every year. Come and watch the brave jockeys at the well organized races, enjoy while having nice day with race and fashion shows and mingling with all the attendees.
- Volleyball Festivals: Participate in the energetic sports events of volleyball competitions that take place across Bougainville. Practically every person regardless of the status will find such activities a great opportunity to meet and interact with the inhabitants and to see how love for sports is expressed on the island.
Seasonal Celebration:
- Yam Harvest Festival: Imbibe the Yam culture at the Yam Harvest Festival, a periodic celebration that acknowledges the heavy reliance of yam production in most household’s subsistence farming in the island of Bougainville. Take part in the age old rituals, enjoy some yam dishes and view beautiful yams on exhibitions.
- Sakura Matsuri: In the spring season, the cherry blossoms are at their most beautiful and abundant. Walk through the orchards where pale pink and white flowers are in full bloom and take a glance at the charming sights of nature.
Social Functions
- Nan Pan Potluck Dinners: Nan Pan pot luck dinners are organized in all the regions of Bougainville where communities come together to organize an enjoyable event emphasizing their cultural practices. Such events are attended as they include various performances irrespective of the kind and it offers real experience about the locality.
- Jack and Jill Parties: Get involved in Bougainville’s educational efforts by going to school fetes and fundraisers. Have fun over games, shows, and yummy food stalls all while playing a part in enhancing youth and education on the island.
Arts and Crafts Fairs:
- Market Days: Come and experience the market days of Bougainville that will be full of artisans and vendors. These fairs will amaze you with different kinds of souvenirs from handweaved baskets to beautiful made jewelry.
- Cultural Expos: Take part of Bougainville Island’s artistic, cultural and social scene through cultural expos conducted to different locations of the island. Learn why local art, culture and traditions are endangered and buy crafts, artwork and performances done by local artists.
Conclusion:
Every year Bougainville which is located in Melanesia is a nation of cultural festivals and celebrations because any occasion that comes is steeped in the rich traditions of the island and its people. All year round there are either cultural shows or seasonal events. Thus, Get ready for the island, take part in it and enjoy the events in Bougainville that will create lasting impressions in your memories.