2020 almanac
A guide to the region’s best events
PNG FESTIVAL SEASON
Papua New Guinea is renowned for its cultural shows and festivals, with costumed dancers and sing-sings performed across the country. Among the most famous are the Goroka Show, the Mask Festival with the spectacular Baining fire dancers, and the Mount Hagen Cultural Show. The shows and festivals are generally from July until November, but check our almanac for the details. If you are planning on going to any of the festivals, book well ahead because accommodation is taken well in advance.
JANUARY
TOKYO Marunouchi Illumination, until February 16
More than 220 trees in the city’s financial district will be illuminated by a million eco-friendly bulbs. gotokyo.org
SYDNEY, BRISBANE
Elton John Farewell Yellow Brick Road concerts
After more than 50 years on the road, Elton John is making a final world tour. The tour started in the US in September 2018 and there are more than 300 concerts worldwide, including Sydney on January 7, 9, 14, March 7 and Brisbane on January 16. eltonjohn.com/tours
BRISBANE
Year of Scotland in Australia 2020, throughout 2020
A year of Scottish music, culture, food and drink is planned across Australia, with Scottish musicians, artists, chefs and distillers touring Australia’s key festivals, starting at the annual Woodford Folk Festival near Brisbane. Highlights include the National Celtic Festival in Portarlington (Victoria), Highland games and clan gatherings. yearofscotlandaustralia 2020.com
BRISBANE
International Tennis, January 6–12
This women’s-only event at the Queensland Tennis Centre will be highlighted by the world’s no. 1 women’s player, Ash Barty, and Japan’s Naomi Osaka as they prepare for the Australian Open in Melbourne starting on January 20. brisbaneinternational.com
SINGAPORE
Disney Magic of Animation, until March 20
Artworks from Frozen 2 will be on display at the ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands resort before the release of the highly anticipated animated film in Singapore. marinabaysands.com
SINGAPORE Chingay Parade, January 31–February 1
This is an annual colourful street parade to celebrate the Lunar New Year. More than 5000 volunteer performers take part, there are cultural performances, elaborately decorated floats and fireworks. chingay.org.sg
february
BRISBANE BrisAsia, February 1–29
The city’s Asian culture scene explodes with street food, performances by traditional singers and dancers. brisbane.qld.gov.au
SYDNEY HSBC Sydney 7s, February 1–2
Sixteen men’s and 12 women’s national sevens teams battle it out across the globe in 10 tournaments, as Fiji and New Zealand fight to retain their respective World Series crowns. The Sydney leg blends top rugby with a festival of live music and entertainment. sydney7s.com.au
march
PHILIPPINES International Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival, February 29–March 1
Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2020, this annual new music festival takes place outdoors, in a jungle setting beneath the starry skies outside Quezon City. Experience its silent disco, kids’ program, pool parties and, on the side, a music business conference. malasimbo.com
MICRONESIA Yap Day,
March 1
The biggest celebration on Yap sees Yapese dances performed, along with coconut husking, target shooting and basket weaving, aimed at preserving the Micronesian island’s traditions. visityap.com
TOKYO Sakura Festival, late March–early April
The Chiyoda Sakura (Cherry Blossom) Festival is held each year along the 700-metre-long Chidorigafuchi-ryokudo Walkway, renowned for its magnificent trees that are illuminated at dusk. Take a boat out so you can view the blossoms from the water. gotokyo.org
PNG World Longboard Championship,
March 18–25 When Paradise went to press this surfing event was still in the process of being organised by the World Surf League and the Surfing Association of PNG. If it goes ahead, the plan is to stage a round of the championship at Nago Island, near Kavieng. sapng.com
BRISBANE NRL,
March 20 The Brisbane Broncos play their first home match of the season during round two at Suncorp Stadium against the Rabbitohs. nrl.com
BRISBANE AFL,
March 28
Brisbane plays its first home match of the season during round two at the Gabba against North Melbourne. afl.com.au
april
SYDNEY
9 to 5 The Musical, from April
Sing along to the hit tunes of country music star Dolly Parton. From the 1980 movie of the same name, the story follows three secretaries getting revenge on their sexist boss. sydneylyric. com.au
VANUATU Naghol (land diving), every Saturday, April to June
Pentecost Island’s ancient ritual sees men leap from towers up to 30 metres high, and plummet toward the ground. A good dive ensures a bountiful yam season, and it’s also a rite of passage for the island’s boys. vanuatu.travel
PNG National
Game Fishing Titles, April 3–13
The waters around the Rabaul– Kokopo region of New Britain Island are renowned for game fish such as wahoo, Spanish mackerel, trevally, blue marlin and the dramatic sailfish. This is the 45th year of the hotly contested titles, the largest annual sporting event in PNG. gfa.com.pg, papuanewguinea. travel
may
BRISBANE NRL Magic Round,
May 1–3
If you’re thinking of travelling from PNG to Brisbane to watch some rugby league, this could be the weekend to do it. Every NRL rugby league game for round eight of the season will be played at Suncorp Stadium. nrl.com
NOOSA Noosa Eat & Drink Festival, May 14–17
The four days of great food, wine and entertainment includes breakfast brunches, celebrity chefs and dinners under the stars. noosaeatdrink.com.au
CAIRNS PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Invitational, May 23
Described as the toughest sport on dirt, bull riders stay on the backs of bulls for up to eight seconds. The thrills are choreographed with pyrotechics and lasers, and there are mega-screen replays. pbraustralia.com.au
FIJI Fiji Fashion Week, May 21–30
Now in its 13th year, the best new tropical fashion trends make their debut at the Vodafone Arena in Laucala Bay, Suva.
The week culminates in the
Bula Ball, with proceeds going toward education, trade and development opportunities for young designers. facebook. com/FijiFashionWeek
june
PNG Madang Festival, June 6–7
This colourful cultural event is on the Queen’s Birthday weekend each year. The Bilum Festival on Karkar Island is held the week before, on May 29–31.
PNG Tri-Nation Cricket Series, June 9–16
A series of one-day matches will be played in Port Moresby between PNG, Nepal and the United Arab Emirates. icc-cricket.com
PNG Sel Kambang Festival, June
Traditional performances and costumes are part of this small and authentic festival at Kiunga, in the Western Province. Check closer to the time for exact date. selkambangfestival.com
HONG KONG Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival, June 25
From humble beginnings in 1972, this ancient Chinese ritual is now an international sporting festival. The dragon boats are more than 12-metres long, with up to 20 paddlers and a drummer holding the beat. discoverhongkong.com
july
SOLOMON ISLANDS
Wagosia Festival, June
A traditional spear hunting and yam harvesting festival, this event enshrines the culture practised by the people of East Makira. The festival is held each year in Santa Catalina.
Check closer to the time for exact date. visitsolomons.com.sb
SINGAPORE Singapore Food Festival, throughout July
Food-obsessed Singaporeans have an excuse to eat and to talk about eating during this monthlong food festival. There are pop-up food events, food trucks, food walks and workshops, from kaya toast to Nonya cuisine, sticky Hainanese sweets and the best fried Indian breads. visitsingapore.com
CAIRNS Laura Dance Festival, July 3–5
Held near rock art sites, this year’s festival aligns with the Cooktown 250th celebration of the landing of James Cook. More than 20 indigenous communities from the Cape York Peninsula dance, sing and play music. anggnarra.org.au/laura-dancefestival-2020
PNG National Remembrance Day, July 23
Each year, PNG pauses to remember those who lost their lives during the world wars and other military events. The RSL Cenotaph at Rabaul, which was the capital of German New Guinea until 1919, is the focus of East New Britain’s commemoration ceremony. papuanewguinea.travel
TOKYO 2020 Olympic & Paralympic Games, July 24– August 9. Some preliminary events begin on July 22
Olympic fever takes over Japan with five new sports debuting in 2020, including skateboarding and surfing. PNG first competed in Montreal in 1976, but has not yet won a medal. olympic.org/tokyo-2020
august
SOLOMON ISLANDS
Shell Money Festival
The traditional currency of the Malaita Province is used for bride prices, its barter system, gifts and settling of disputes. The people of Langa Langa Lagoon demonstrate its use and entertainment in
Busu village during this annual event. Check closer to the time for exact date. visitsolomons.com.sb
PNG Sepik River Crocodile Festival, August 5–7
The Sepike River is home to large populations of fresh and saltwater crocodiles, and the strength and power of these cunning hunters is celebrated, including the initiation rituals that local men undertake to scar their bodies in mimicry of the crocodiles’ skin. The festival takes place at Ambunti in East Sepik Province. papuanewguinea.travel
PNG Enga Cultural Show, August 7–9
Thousands of people from tribes across the remote Highlands gather to chant and dance, enact their rituals and demonstrate their skills at this sing-sing held off the beaten track, in Enga Province’s capital, Wabag. engashow.com
VANUATU Back to My Roots Festival, August 12–14
The Rom custom dance is the highlight and identity of Ambrym Island, where this festival is held. Witness tam-tam drumming, magic shows and a Namangi ceremony at the festival, in Olal village. vanuatu.travel
PNG Mount Hagen Cultural Show, August 15–16
More than 80 highland tribes meet at one of PNG’s best-known
sing-sings in the Western Highlands. First staged in 1961 in a bid to smooth tribal animosities, it has become an essential on the country’s tourist trail. papuanewguinea.travel
september
PNG Rabaul Frangipani Festival, September 18–20
Celebrating the town of Rabaul’s re-emergence after it was destroyed by the simultaneous eruptions of the Vulcan and Tavurvur volcanoes in 1994, the fragrant frangipani was the first blossom to emerge from the ash. The festival, held annually during the Independence weekend, includes a float parade, drum bands and a spirited canoe race. papuanewguinea.travel
BRISBANE Brisbane Festival, throughout September
More than a million people flock to this month-long cultural event, with live music in the streets and on the stages, which culminates in the Sunsuper Riverfire fireworks display. brisbanefestival.com.au
PNG Paiya Mini Cultural Show, September 14
A warm-up to the Mount Hagen Cultural Show, Paiya village is 20 kilometres from the main township, and visitors can meet the village chief and enjoy a mumu
(feast cooked in an underground oven). It’s also a chance to see performers preparing for the much larger Mount Hagen show. papuanewguinea.travel
PNG Amazing
Port Moresby Independence Festival
Fireworks, an arts and culture street parade, and a sports carnival are all drawcards to the capital’s three-day independence festival, which celebrates PNG’s independence from Australia on September 16, 1975. amazingportmoresby.com
SINGAPORE Formula One Grand Prix, September 18–20
Speedsters and celebrities hit the track for a high-octane rush. The celebrations extend to the city, with blockbuster concerts, starstudded parties and pop-up stores to lure partygoers. singaporegp.sg
PNG Goroka Show, September 19–20
One of PNG’s premier cultural drawcards, the capital of the East Highlands has been coming alive to the sound of the kundu (drums) since 1957, with more than 1000 people from over 80 tribes, including the distinctive Asaro Mudmen meeting for the sing-sing. papuanewguinea.travel
PNG Kalam Festival, September 23–24
Vivid green headdresses made from beetle carapaces make a spectacular display at this local festival, which deals with such life events as initiation rites and bride prices. Taking place in Simbai, in central Madang Province, it is held just after the Goroka Show. papuanewguinea.travel
september
PNG Hiri Moale Festival, September
This three-day festival in Port Moresby celebrates the traditions of the region’s Motu and Koitabu peoples. The highlights including the enactment of the return of the
hiri (trade voyages) where men, who had been sailing for months at a time, were welcomed back home by their families. papuanewguinea.travel
PNG Kutubu Kundu & Digaso Festival, September 24–26
The culture of PNG’s Southern Highlands is the focus of this festival, which takes place in Daga Village and Tugiri, on the shores of Lake Kutubu. Highlighted are the use of kundu (drums) and the rich, healing oil from the digaso tree. papuanewguinea.travel
MICRONESIA Kosrae Annual Liberation Day, September 8
Celebrating the US victory over Japan during World War 2, the island of Kosrae celebrates with a market day across its four villages, followed by athletics games within the community. In the evening, villagers release lanterns into the sky, in remembrance of their liberation. visitkosrae.com
SOLOMON ISLANDS
Dive Festival, September
The annual Dive Festival puts Honiara and the Guadalcanal Province on show, featuring the Solomons’ spectacular coral pastures, with excursions, photography competitions and cultural and conservation activities. Check closer to the time for exact date. visitsolomons.com.sb
PNG Huhu War Canoe Festival, September
The culture of the Huhu people, from the Milne Bay Province, is on display around Alotau. Villagers enact stories of their ancestor warriors conducting raids by canoe. Check closer to the time for exact date. huhuwarcanoefestival. wordpress.com
BRISBANE Brisbane Fashion Month, October 1–31
Queensland designers are out in force at this month of fabulous fashion. Visit pop-up fashion shops, take a sustainable fashion tour through the city or an illustrations class and watch the latest styles paraded on catwalks around the city. brisbanefashionmonth.com.au
FIJI Denarau Food, Wine and Music Festival, October 3
Fiji’s top chefs and wine suppliers mix with art and local live performances of dance and music at the Denarau Golf and Racquet Club. The family friendly event includes a kids’ zone and food stalls. denaraumarina.com
CAIRNS Reef Feast Palm Cove, October 4–6
Reef Feast returns to celebrate the Cairns and Great Barrier Reef region’s fresh produce, live music and lifestyle. Enjoy the Longest Lunch on Friday, feast and dance under the stars on Saturday and come back for more great food and the markets on Sunday. reeffeast.com.au
GEELONG T20 World Cup, October 18, 20, 22
PNG’s men’s cricket team will play against Oman, Sri Lanka and Ireland in the first round of group A matches. Geelong is about a 70-minute drive from Melbourne. From PNG you can fly to Sydney and then connect to Melbourne Airport or Avalon Airport. icc-cricket.com
SYDNEY Pacific Runway, October 23
Distinctive and exotic, fashion from the Pacific struts the catwalk in this annual fashion parade founded by Maori Samoan woman Jannike Seiuli. Features established and upcoming labels, from street wear to special occasion, including those with a PNG connection, such as Lumai and Kapilou. pacificrunway.com.au
PNG Morobe Show, October 31–Nov 1
Running since 1959, this annual agricultural show is held in Lae. Among the fireworks displays, the judging of the show queen, cowboy and motorbike action, is the Sunday morning sing-sing. morobeshow.org.pg
november
HONG KONG Great November Feast, throughout November
Hong Kong’s stomach rumbles this month, with themed and discounted menus offered by about 600 restaurants and merchants. Take a gourmet walk through the city’s neighbourhoods. discoverhongkong.com
PNG National Kenu and Kundu Festival, November 6–8
Described as a bridge between contemporary culture and the sacred routes taken by their ancestors, this festival showcases the cultures of Milne Bay and other provinces, held at Alotau. Traditional canoes ( kenu) and drums ( kundu) are a big part of the festival.
national ke nu ku n du festival.com
FIJI Uprising Dance Festival, November 7
Prepare for 12 hours of non-stop music and dance to local and international artists performing at Uprising Beach Resort in Pacific Harbour, on Fiji’s south coast, with a chilled vibe. uprisingbeachresort. com facebook.com/ UprisingMusicFestival
PNG Tufi Tapa and Tattoo Festival, November 14–15
Held in Tufi village on Cape Nelson in Oro Province, the festival centres around tapa cloth and facial tattoos, which are intrinsic to traditional Tufi culture, identifying tribes and lineage. facebook.com/tufitapa
MACAU Macau Grand Prix, November 14–17
First held as a car race in 1954, the Macau Grand Prix is now in its 66th year, with cars and motorbikes providing the action on the street circuit, with the highlight being the demanding Formula Three race. macau.grandprix.gov.mo
SINGAPORE Deepavali, November 14
Celebrated worldwide, the Hindu festival of Deepavali sees the Singapore suburb of Little India glow as part of the Deepavali Light Up Festival, with night markets and concerts, as Hindus celebrate the triumph of good over evil, and light over darkness. visitsingapore.com
PNG Karimui Show, November 18–20
At one of PNG’s newest festivals, the Karimui people of Simbu Province present around 160 different groups and performers to show the huge culture and biodiversity of Mount Karimui, and its forest conservation and ecotourism initiatives. papuanewguinea.travel
december
MACAU Macau Light Festival, December 1–31
This annual light festival encourages visitors to step out of the tourist areas and explore all Macau’s districts through interactive light installations and games, as the island celebrates the 20th anniversary of the establishment of Macau as a special administrative region. visitmacao.com.au