Buka Mona Festival

12th to 15th August 2011

The annual Bougainville Mona Festival starts with the Mona voyage along the Buka Passage from Malasang to Buka Town.

The festival signifies the Mona Canoe which is a unique icon for North Bougainville. The Mona Canoe is distinctively designed and symbolises the power of a chief among Bougainvillean tribes. Each tribe has a Mona and the longer and bigger a Mona is, the higher a tribe’s status is amongst other tribes in the region.

The festival includes cultural activities such as singsing kaur groups, bamboo bands and Solomon dances.It goes for 3 days, and portrays traditional dances performed by the various cultural groups from the different islands in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. The festival shows the culture of Bougainville which binds its people to foster rehabilitation, reconciliation and long lasting peace on Bougainville. It reminds the people of the importance of their culture and identity.

Your package includes return airfares from Port Moresby, accommodation and meals at the Kuri Resort, airport transfers, boat hire, guides, as well as all entry and cultural fees.

Itinerary

Day 1, 12 Aug: Arrive at Buka airport and transfer to where tour begins. The program always starts around 11 a.m. with all monas paddling from Malasang to Buka town escort by boats.At the Buka beach front the monas will be welcomed by singsings and dancers. From the beach front all the monas will be carried to the showground with sing sings, followed by official opening and speeches. Mr & Miss Mona quest launched. Check in to Kuri Village Resort (LD)

Day 2, 13 Aug: Each Singsing group gathers to the main arena to perform. In the afternoon , you will visit Madehas Island and White Sand Island for swimming and relaxation. Return to Resort (BLD)

Day 3, 14 Aug: Performances are continued, followed by presentations of prizes to the groups, crowning of Mr.& Mrs Mona festival and by afternoon officially closing of the festival. (BLD)