09/09/2026
𝐓𝐔𝐌𝐁𝐔𝐍𝐀 𝐏𝐈𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐈 𝐂𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐅𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐀𝐋 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐀𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐀
By Athurson OLUA |PNG SUN|
The inaugural Tumbuna Pikinini Cultural Festival opened yesterday at Tovi Traditional Ground at Aroma Primary School in Abau District, Central Province, bringing together school children from across Aroma Rural LLG to celebrate and preserve their cultural heritage.
The two-day festival, held from September 9 to 10, aims to preserve traditional knowledge and reconnect younger generations with the culture and traditions of the Aroma coastline.
The festival was officially opened by National Cultural Commission (NCC) Festival and Events Manager Eugene Avediba, representing NCC Director Steven Kilanda, and Maopa Levapuka Tovi Cultural Association (MLTCA) Chairman and Festival Director Avis Vanua Vevao.
The inaugural festival is held under the theme, “Promote Peace and Unity in Diversity, Rebuild the Connection Between Younger Generation and Their Heritage.”
Children from early childhood, elementary and primary schools took part in the opening, presenting traditional dances, songs and cultural displays in colourful costumes.
Welcoming the schools, teachers, parents, community leaders and invited guests, Mr Vevao described the event as a historic occasion for the Aroma people.
“Today, I stand on the shoulders of ancestors as we witness the historic milestone for our people,” he said.
Mr Vevao said establishing the cultural association had not been easy, particularly as he had to work with limited resources while seeking support from organisations and businesses.
“I put my hands up, trying to move mountains with no resources, collecting scattered ideas to form this cultural heritage movement to our Aroma Coast,” he said.
He recalled writing proposals, visiting offices and approaching business houses for assistance, saying many people initially did not believe in the programme.
“Only a few attended to me, many others turned me away because they did not believe in me. And they did not believe in this programme today,” Mr Vevao said.
Despite the setbacks, he said he remained committed to keeping the culture alive.
“I refuse to give up. I push my body to the absolute limit. I walk up the mountains and climb down the valleys to reach out for funding,” he said.
Mr Vevao thanked those who supported the association and said the festival provided an opportunity for the people of Aroma to showcase the richness of their culture.
“We carry a rich culture that defines who we are. Today, we are not just hosting a show. We are actively promoting the magnificent rich culture of Aroma people,” he said.
He also expressed hope that the cultural traditions of the Aroma coastline would eventually receive international recognition, while acknowledging the support of Sir Puka Temu.
In his keynote address, Mr Avediba said the NCC was pleased to support an event that preserves the cultures and traditions of Papua New Guinea.
“In NCC, we preserve, promote, safeguard, and develop our authentic arts and culture in Papua New Guinea,” he said.
Mr Avediba said Papua New Guinea’s cultural diversity made it important for communities to protect their traditions and pass them on to younger generations.
He said cultural festivals provide an important learning platform for children to understand their identity, appreciate traditional practices and help preserve cultural expressions and dances that are at risk of disappearing.
“These festivals and cultural shows will lay as a platform, a learning platform for younger generations like these children here to showcase these talents, these arts and culture,” he said.
The opening day ended with students performing traditional songs and dances, bringing schools and communities together to celebrate Aroma’s cultural heritage.
The festival will conclude today with more cultural performances and activities focused on strengthening the connection between children and their traditional heritage.
