The Toare Mask Festival in Gulf Province is a lively celebration deeply connected to local culture. It started long ago as a way for communities to revive the mask tradition connect with their ancestors, and celebrate their shared identity. The festival features traditional masks, dances, and rituals, each with special meanings about spirits, ancestors, and animals important to the community.
A media conference was held today the 25th of July, 2024, at the National Cultural Commission Board Room Downtown, Port Moresby.
Presented at the event were Mr. Kassman Richard the Public Affairs Manager at TotalEnergies EPNG Ltd, representing the Executive Director of the National Cultural Commission Mr. Steven Enomb Kilanda, Mr. David Taim the Manager for Festival, Marketing, and Cultural Extension Services, and Mr. Ben Micah the Toare Mask Festival Chairman.
Mr. Kassman stressed that it is important to preserve cultural heritage and celebrate Papua New Guinea’s diverse traditions.
He said, “Papua LNG is very proud to continue our sponsorship of the Toare Mask festival, and this is the second year we are supporting this. It is so important that we support and recognize the significance of preserving cultural heritage.”
The Papua LNG TotalEnergies EPNG Ltd presented a K15,000 cheque to Mr. Ben Micah, Chairman of the Toare Mask Festival, showing their financial support.
Mr. David Taim, the Manager for Festival Marketing and Cultural Extension Services at NCC spoke about the challenges the commission faces in getting corporate companies to sponsor cultural events. He thanked Papua LNG for helping keeping the Gulf Toare Mask festival alive and thriving.Mr. Taim said, “One of the issues the National Cultural Commission is facing over the years is to attract corporate companies to come in and assist in terms of supporting festivals. For us to have Papua LNG to come in and support the Toare Gulf Mask Festival is a big relief to us and we are very grateful to have such support in terms of maintaining our culture.”
The National Cultural Commission also contributed K5,000 to support the festival, showing their dedication to cultural preservation.
Mr. Ben Micah, the festival chairman, extended his heartfelt thanks to the National Cultural Commission and Papua LNG TotalEnergies EPNG Ltd for their invaluable support in hosting the mask festival.
The Toare Mask Festival is a symbol of reviving a beloved cultural tradition in Papua New Guinea. It continues to grow as an annual event that honors the past and ensures a strong future for cultural heritage in the region.
Comments