A young boy from the Eastern Highlands wearing the full traditional costume of his tribe
A “pikinini” sing-sing group and their coach makes their way to the showground
The crowd’s favorite, a group of girls from Chimbu Province tensely prepare for the show as some parent apply final touches to their costumes
The show is formally opened by local leaders in a simple opening program
School kids holding PNG flags and wearing Independence Day shirts participate in the opening rites. The Goroka Show is held almost simultaneously with the observance of the Papua New Guinea’s Independence Day every 16th of September.
A local school teacher in traditional costume takes a photo of the opening ceremony using his mobile phone. While PNG promotes in cultural traditions, it has also embraced modern technology. Most urban parts of the country are connected to the rest of the world with mobile phone and internet service.
A group of teenagers represent another highland tribe in the sing-sing competition
A young man smiles for the camera
A final huddle and prayer before the actual performance. Papua New Guinea tribes are now predominantly Christian.
The fabled “Mudmen of Asaro” entertain the crowd with their scary masks and mystic movements.
A group of kids and their parents take shelter under a tent. The show is being held under the scorching heat and humidity of a tropical sun.
A boy from a group called “dwofs” (dwarves?) cools himself with an “ice candy”
A concerned mom feeds her costumed son with some biscuits
Three young ladies in their glorious costumes and headdresses
Boys in headgear that mimic another type of bird
Like the tribal warriors of the olden days, these boys try to look fierce in their costumes
A young girl proudly shows of her tribal costume
A young boy (featured in topmost photos) shows annoyance as his mother fixes his headgear
A father proudly poses with his two sons who were now properly inducted into their tribal culture at a young age
