The National Kenu and Kundu Festival
Boats (Kenu) and drums (Kundu) are the pillars of this celebration, when the Melanesian tribes from the 600-plus islands of Milne Bay Province come together to dance, sing, trade and – most importantly – race. Boats and drums prop up society in Papua New Guinea.
Divers from all over the world visit Milne Bay to experience the area's underwater wonders. Every year in early November, the villagers have a canoe festival to commemorate their strong bond with the sea. The event begins with the blowing of a conch shell at sunrise, accompanied by the rhythmic beating of Kundu drums, and the small village of Alotau comes to life as people crowd the shore to witness the legendary canoe races.
Costumed warriors paddle aggressively in long, carved dugout canoes against the rugged background of PNG's mainland, their colorful crafts flying across the lake. Visitors are entertained with tribal dancing and live music between races.
When: in November
Where: Alotau, Milne Bay Province
