Goroka, Papua New Guinea
Sept 20, 2026
Back in the arena, I am told the same tribes will perform again today. I recognize some of them and exchange hellos with a couple of groups I spoke with yesterday. But I see many groups I didn’t see before. I have no idea if I missed them in the crowds yesterday or if they only appeared today. The colors and costumes seem even brighter, the designs more varied and the dancing more energetic.
The Goroka Show was first convened in 1956 to reduce tribal conflict by providing a venue for a peaceful meeting. As this traditional sing-sing grew in popularity over the years, the date was moved to coincide with Papua New Guinea’s Independence Day. This year marks the 70th anniversary of this show; if anything, the enthusiasm is even higher today than it was yesterday. More than once I am looped into the dance circle. Laughter and banter pepper the air as photos are granted with smiles.
The organizers tell me more than a hundred tribes have participated this year and there are more than 20,000 visitors. Looking at this field, I can well believe it.
As the afternoon wanes, the show winds down and the groups gather near the front of the seating area. Incredibly, some of them are still going strong but most sit and sprawl for a well-deserved rest. The speeches crackling through the loudspeaker are inevitable but thankfully are not too long-winded. All groups listen and applaud but I and other visitors still click away. Grand photos for a grand finale!
I am saturated with the colors, the sounds and the sheer exuberance of it all. I am footsore but my grin stays plastered as I head back to the guesthouse. My mind is already busy hatching plans to come back to PNG.
