Goroka Show

When: September each year, with multi-day build-up and a main show day.

Where: Goroka, Papua New Guinea - the town arena and surrounding grounds host the event.

Cost: Tickets are sold locally and at the gate with variable pricing; book early for busy weekends.

Don’t miss: The mass sing-sing parades where dozens of tribes perform traditional songs, dances and elaborate headdresses.

The Goroka Show is an annual cultural gathering that brings together Highland communities to present traditional dress, music and dance in competitive and celebratory displays. It began in the mid-20th century as a way for local groups to meet and show cultural identity and has grown into a major national event.

Held in and around Goroka in Papua New Guinea, the show is dominated by staged sing-sings, parade stops, markets selling arts and bilums, and informal meet-ups where performers and visitors mingle. Expect loud drumming, a kaleidoscope of ochre, feathers and shell ornaments, and a convivial but intense atmosphere as groups vie for attention and pride.

The festival runs every September; dates vary year to year but events typically concentrate over a weekend with a full-day main show. The schedule has a few lead-up days for arrivals, costume rehearsals and smaller parades before the principal performances.

Most visitors plan to be in town for at least two to three days so they can see the build-up, the main show and the evening gatherings that follow.

Fly internationally into Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea (Jacksons International Airport), then catch a domestic flight to Goroka (Goroka Airport); the domestic hop is about an hour. Book domestic flights and accommodation well in advance - seats and rooms fill quickly around the show.

• Respect photographers’ etiquette: always ask permission before photographing people, especially close-up shots of faces or sacred adornments.
• Dress in layers for highland weather in Goroka - cold mornings and evenings with warm midday sun; bring a rain jacket just in case.
• Carry cash (kina) for tickets, food and crafts; credit-card acceptance is limited outside bigger hotels and lodges.
• Wear sturdy, closed shoes; stadium grounds can be uneven and muddy after brief showers.
• Expect large crowds and noisy crowds; keep valuables secure, and if travelling alone stay in well-known guesthouses.
• Book domestic flights and hotels at least several weeks in advance, and arrive a day early to allow for possible flight delays.