More than 3,000 attendees, including visitors from South and Central Bougainville, tourists and visitors have attended a two-day Tama Festival under this year’s theme Strengthening Identity Through Culture and Unity, at Independence Oval in Arawa, Central Bougainville recently.
The event features the famous Singsing Kaur competition, panpipe ensembles, the showcasing of the traditional delicacy Tama, arts and crafts, and contemporary music performances. Standout moments were the Kaur chants and dances, women’s chant patterns, and youth-led innovations such as the fusion of panpipe harmonies with modern instruments.
The event was honoured by the presence of the police minister, the Regional Member for Bougainville and Patron of the Central Bougainville Tourism Association (CBTA), Peter Tsiamalili Jnr, who officially closed the festival.
“The Tama Festival reminds us that our strength as one people lies in our culture and unity. This event shows the world that our traditions remain the foundation of our identity and our journey together as one people,” said Minister Tsiamalili.
Looking ahead, the committee plans to expand the program to other regional groups to strengthen international promotion and to position the Tama Festival as a premier cultural tourism attraction.
Bougainville Arts Culture Tourism Authority (BACTA) Interim chief executive officer, Lorena Ritsi highlighted the importance of the festival.
“The Tama Festival is a celebration of talent, creativity, and community. It creates a space where our artistic skills, especially in culinary arts, are showcased and tested, reminding us of the richness of our culture.
With BACTA’s mission to promote, preserve, and regulate cultural and tourism products in the region, the Tama Festival plays a vital role in keeping our traditions alive and celebrated,” said Ritsi.
Central Bougainville Tourism Association (CBTA) Treasurer, Delwin Ketsian said that the festival has a larger potential to drive the region’s economy.
“We see the Tama Festival not only as a cultural celebration but as an economic driver for Bougainville tourism. With more partnerships and planning, this festival will grow even stronger in the years to come,” said Ketsian.
