East New Britain Mask Festival

The National Mask and Warwagira Festival festival showcases the cultural storytelling of the East New Britain people through singing, dancing, and initiation ceremonies, performed by traditional artists from local tribal groups like the Tolai and Baining Pomio and other Papua New Guinea Masked Dances.

While local performers will be prioritized, artists from the New Guinea Islands region, including mask dancers from New Ireland and West New Britain, will also take part. The festival is officially recognized by the National Cultural Commission and Tourism Promotion Authority.

It aims to connect younger generations with their traditions and showcase PNG Cultural dances to Local as well as International Tourists, especially as modernization often makes them forget their cultural heritage. The festival will start with the traditional ‘Kinavai’ at dawn, marking its opening.