Preparations are now underway for the 2026 National Kenu & Kundu Festival, one of Papua New Guinea’s premier cultural celebrations, set to take place from November 6 to 8 in Alotau, Milne Bay Province.

The National Kenu & Kundu Festival Committee announced this week that planning has officially commenced for the annual event, which is expected to attract thousands of visitors from across the country and overseas.

Widely recognised as Milne Bay’s signature cultural festival, the Kenu & Kundu Festival showcases the province’s rich maritime traditions and diverse cultural heritage through canoe races, traditional dances, storytelling, and cultural exhibitions.

The event plays an important role not only in preserving Milne Bay’s customs and identity, but also in supporting tourism development, stimulating local business activity, and creating income opportunities for artisans, performers, and small-scale vendors.

Festival Chairman Habona Tasman has called on communities, businesses, government agencies, and development partners to support the upcoming event through sponsorships, fundraising initiatives, and in-kind contributions.

Various fundraising activities will be hosted by the committee leading up to the festival to ensure the successful delivery of the event.

He added that all sponsors and supporters will be formally recognised during and after the festival, with the organising committee committed to transparency and accountability throughout preparations.

“Together we are one people, following one rhythm, sailing on one sea.”