After a two- year hiatus due to Covid-19 restrictions, the famous Rabaul Frangipani Festival was successfully revived during the Independence weekend.
Thousands of people in East New Britain province braved the sun’s heat to join the excitement and spirit of celebration during the Frangipani Festival in Rabaul town on Friday (Sept 16) and Saturday (Sept 17).
The two-day event marked the country’s 47th Independence anniversary, ENB’s 28th anniversary of the twin volcanic eruptions and the 85th anniversary of the 1937 eruptions in which 200 people died. The festival began last Friday with the McGrade Family Cup Two Stone Kanu (canoe) Race around the Beehives. This was followed by the Frangipani Hamamas Pageant organised by schools in Rabaul district.
On Saturday 17 September, a Tolai Kinavai was held at the Rabaul Foreshore followed by an art competition.
After that, the streets of Rabaul town came alive with colour and pomp as the float parade by business houses, government offices and schools passed through the town
Susie McGrade, a member of the organising committee, said this year’s theme “Rabaul Reboot” saw wonderful displays of flair and creativity. She said Agmark Cocoa and Rabaul Volcano Observatory came out as tie winners in the “most outstanding” category, Rabaul Town Clinic won the “best community float” award, Barlows Industries for “best corporate” award, Origin Energy for “best entertaining” award and Baining float for “best cultural” award.
“Rabaul town went without the festival in 2020 and 2021 due to pandemic measures but the crowd turnout in the past two days brought the community together. We have rebooted and we are back,” she said.
Ms McGrade commended the support from mostly business houses who made it possible to host the two day event. She also acknowledged the ENB Governor Michael Marum, Rabaul MP Graham Piniau and Gazelle MP and Fisheries Minister Jelta Wong.