PNG Public Holidays 2024: Celebrating Festivals, Cultural Shows, and Traditional Activities

Papua New Guinea is a country that is rich in culture and traditions. It is a land of diverse ethnic groups, each with its unique customs, beliefs, and practices. Papua New Guineans celebrate various public holidays throughout the year, which offer a glimpse into their rich cultural heritage. 

In this article, we will explore the top 10 festivals, cultural shows, and traditional activities that take place during public holidays in PNG.

Check out the Gazetted Public Holiday PDF file here and download it!

 

Independence Day (September 16)

Independence Day is the most significant public holiday in Papua New Guinea. It marks the country's independence from Australia in 1975. 

The day is celebrated with parades, cultural performances, and feasts. The main celebration takes place in the capital city of Port Moresby, where thousands of people gather to watch the colourful parade.

New Year's Day (January 1)

New Year's Day is a global celebration, and Papua New Guinea is no exception. The day is marked with fireworks, parties, and family gatherings. 

Many people attend church services to thank God for the blessings of the past year and pray for the year ahead.

Easter

Easter is a Christian holiday that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

In Papua New Guinea, it is celebrated with religious services, parades, and feasts. 

Many people also participate in traditional activities such as egg rolling and egg decorating.

Christmas (December 25)

Christmas is a significant public holiday in Papua New Guinea. 

Although the country is predominantly Christian, the celebration of Christmas is a fusion of Christian and traditional customs. 

Many people attend church services on Christmas Day, followed by family gatherings and feasts.

Hiri Moale Festival (September)

The Hiri Moale Festival is a cultural celebration that takes place in the Motu-Koitabu area of Papua New Guinea. 

The festival commemorates the traditional trading voyage of the Motu-Koitabu people, who sailed hundreds of kilometres to trade goods with neighbouring villages. 

It is marked by cultural performances, feasts, and the reenactment of the traditional trading voyage.

Ten young women are vying to be Queen, but this is about culture, not beauty. Get a glimpse into Port Moresby's annual Hiri Moale festival. This story was such a joy to shoot, all the contestants were so impressive. #PNG pic.twitter.com/YXIdZMngXc

— Natalie Whiting (@Nat_Whiting) May 2, 2022

Goroka Show (September)

The Goroka Show is a cultural extravaganza that takes place in the Eastern Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea. 

The show brings together more than 100 different ethnic groups, each with its unique costumes, music, and dances. 

The Goroka Show is one of the largest cultural festivals in the country, attracting thousands of visitors from all over the world.

Mt. Hagen Show (August)

The Mt. Hagen Show is another cultural festival that takes place in the Western Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea. The show is a celebration of the culture and traditions of the people of the highlands. 

It is marked with cultural performances, traditional dances, and the famous "singsing" competitions.

Kenu and Kundu Festival (November)

The Kenu and Kundu Festival is a cultural celebration that takes place in Alotau, the capital of Milne Bay Province. 

The festival is named after the traditional canoes (Kenu) and drums (Kundu) that are used in the celebrations. It is marked with cultural performances, traditional dances, and the reenactment of traditional canoe races.

Mask Festival (July)

The Mask Festival is a cultural celebration that takes place in the East New Britain Province of Papua New Guinea. 

The festival is a showcase of the region's unique mask-making traditions, marked with cultural performances, traditional dances, and the display of the region's unique masks.

Sepik River Crocodile Festival (August)

The Sepik River Crocodile Festival is a cultural celebration that takes place in the Sepik River region of Papua New Guinea. 

The festival is a showcase of the region's unique crocodile cult, which is a central aspect of the Sepik River culture. 

It is marked with traditional dances, crocodile hunting demonstrations, and the display of traditional artefacts.

PNG Public Holidays 2024: Success Stories

The public holidays in Papua New Guinea are not just a time for celebration and enjoyment, but also a platform for economic growth and cultural exchange. Many of the festivals and cultural shows attract visitors from all over the world, providing opportunities for local businesses to thrive.

One success story is the Goroka Show, which has become a major tourist attraction in Papua New Guinea. According to the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority, the Goroka Show has generated over PGK 1.5 million (USD 435,000) in revenue for the local economy. The show has also created employment opportunities for local artisans, who make traditional costumes and artefacts for the festival.

Another success story is the Hiri Moale Festival, which has become a platform for cultural exchange between Papua New Guinea and other Pacific Island nations. The festival has attracted delegations from countries such as Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga, who come to witness the traditional trading voyage reenactment and showcase their own cultural performances.

The Kenu and Kundu Festival has also contributed to the economic growth of the Milne Bay Province. According to the Milne Bay Tourism Bureau, the festival has generated over PGK 500,000 (USD 145,000) in revenue for the local economy. The festival has also provided opportunities for local entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services, such as traditional arts and crafts, food, and accommodation.

PNG Public Holidays 2024 Dates

Public holidays in Papua New Guinea are not just a time for rest and relaxation but also a time for celebrating the country's rich cultural heritage. 

The top 10 festivals, cultural shows, and traditional activities highlighted in this article offer a glimpse into the diversity of Papua New Guinea's ethnic groups and their unique customs and traditions.

These festivals and cultural shows not only provide opportunities for locals to showcase their talents and skills but also contribute to the economic growth of the country. They attract visitors from all over the world, who come to witness the cultural diversity of Papua New Guinea and contribute to the local economy.

Whether it's the colourful parades of Independence Day, the traditional trading voyage of the Hiri Moale Festival, or the unique mask-making traditions of the Mask Festival, public holidays in Papua New Guinea are a time for celebration, cultural exchange, and economic growth.

VCE Exam Results, Appeal Process and Study Opportunies

This article provides an overview of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), the senior secondary qualification in Victoria, Australia. It includes information on the release of results, the appeals process, and the various study opportunities available to students who complete the VCE. 

It is a simple guide for students and parents seeking to understand the VCE and the opportunities it provides.

VCE Exam results 2023

Here are the VCE result release dates from 2016 to 2021:

2016: December 13

2017: December 13

2018: December 13

2019: December 13

2020: December 14

2021: December 13

Based on this history, it is expected that future VCE result release dates will continue to fall within the same time frame of mid-December. 

However, it is important to note that these dates are subject to change and students should check with the VCAA or their school for the most up-to-date information.

When does VCE result 2023 come out?

The timeline for the marking and releasing of VCE results typically takes around 6 to 8 weeks. This process involves several stages, including the following:

• End-of-year exams: Exams are typically held in November and can last several weeks.
• Marking: Once exams are completed, they are sent to markers who evaluate each student's performance. This stage can take 4 to 6 weeks.
• Quality assurance: After marking, results undergo quality assurance processes to ensure accuracy and consistency. This stage typically takes 1 to 2 weeks.
• Release of results: Finally, results are released to students, schools and tertiary institutions. This typically occurs in mid-December.

In total, from the end of exams to the release of results, the VCE marking and release process takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks.

How to check the VCE results when released

To check VCE results when they are released, students can follow these steps:

• Log in to their VCAA account: Students can access their results by logging into their VCAA account using their personal login details.

• Check with school: Alternatively, students can check their results by speaking with their school. Schools typically receive results from the VCAA and may provide students with a copy of their results.

It is important to note that students should only access their own results and not attempt to access the results of others. The VCAA takes privacy and security seriously and students who breach this may face consequences.

VCE Results Appeal Process

If a student is not satisfied with their VCE exam results, they have the option to appeal the marks. The appeals process is managed by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA). Here is the general process for appealing VCE exam results:

• Submit an Appeal Application: To start the appeals process, the student must submit an Appeal Application to the VCAA. This form can be obtained from the VCAA website or from the student's school. The application must be submitted within 30 days of the release of results.
• Supporting evidence: The student must provide supporting evidence to the VCAA to support their appeal. This may include a detailed explanation of their concerns with the marking, along with additional evidence such as their own notes and additional materials.
• Assessment of Appeal: The VCAA will assess the appeal and determine if there is enough evidence to warrant a review of the original marking. If the VCAA determines that a review is necessary, a new marker will be appointed to reassess the student's work.
• Outcome of Appeal: After the review is complete, the VCAA will notify the student of the outcome of their appeal. If the original mark is upheld, the student may have the option to seek a review from the Victorian Ombudsman.

The appeals process can take several weeks or even months to complete, and there is no guarantee that the outcome will be in the student's favour. Therefore, students should carefully consider their options before deciding to pursue an appeal.

Study opportunities are taking VCE

Completing the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) in Victoria, Australia opens up a range of study opportunities for students. Some of these include:

• University: The VCE is the primary entrance requirement for university in Victoria and is recognized by universities across Australia. Students who complete the VCE are eligible to apply for undergraduate courses at universities.

• TAFE: The Technical and Further Education (TAFE) sector offers a range of vocational courses, including apprenticeships and traineeships, which can lead to careers in areas such as trades, hospitality, and retail.

• Private Colleges: Private colleges offer a range of courses, including vocational and English language courses.

• Apprenticeships and Traineeships: Students who complete the VCE can also apply for apprenticeships and traineeships, which provide practical, on-the-job training in a range of industries.

• Work: Some students choose to enter the workforce directly after completing the VCE. Many employers recognize the VCE as a valuable qualification and may offer opportunities for career progression.

The study opportunities available to students who complete the VCE will depend on their individual interests, abilities, and career goals. 

Students should seek advice from their school, career advisor, or tertiary education provider to determine the best path for them.

Conclusion

The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) is a senior secondary qualification offered in Victoria, Australia. 

The VCE results are typically released in mid-December, around 6 to 8 weeks after the end of exams, and can be checked by logging into the VCAA account or through the student's school. 

If a student is dissatisfied with their results, they have the option to appeal the marks through a process managed by the VCAA. 

Completing the VCE opens up a range of study opportunities including university, TAFE, private colleges, apprenticeships and traineeships, and direct entry into the workforce. The study options available to students will depend on their individual interests, abilities, and career goals.