With an aim of changing the name tag ‘Wildwest’ into ‘Laigaip Paradise’, the Laigaip Sangai Cultural Festival is all set to happen on the 28th-29th July, 2021 at the Wanepap Primary school grounds in the Laiagam District, Enga Province.
According to Festival Chairman Mr. Tony Sulupen prepartions for this 2 day cultural event is well underway in the district.
“Locals have already cleaned up the 4km stretch of road from Kanak to Koki in the Pilikambi LLG, building of guest houses have already started, beautification of the main road and posters and billboards have already gone up,” said Mr. Sulupen.
“Host tribes Laipian and Kaimul are behind all these progress and are excited that the inaugural festival is happening for the second time to promote their heritage.”
The main event of the Laigaip Sangai Festival is the ritual of initiating young boys into manhood and will see 60 local young boys go through the initiation process.
“The Sangai was practiced to signify the passage if rite in growth and development of young boys into Manhood, but died out during the tribal fights in the Province and the influences of the Western Culture,” Mr. Sulupen added.
“Apart from the main event, there will be 10 cultural groups participating and 20 mix groups that will participating in unique local arts and crafts, poems and sing sings just to name a few.”
This Festival was initiated in 2019 with its first show happening last year which attracted over 10,000 people.
“We want to bring more tourists into the District, to expose our unique culture and also change people’s perception of the District.”
Mr. Sulupen also thanked the sponsorship of the Laigaip Porgera District, the Enga Provincial Government and the Tourism Promotion Authority PNG.
