Uplifting local indigenous businesses, providing a platform to celebrate and promote the rich diversity of local and indigenous cultures are some of the key themes for the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture that kicked off in Oahu in Hawaii this morning.
A special ceremony known as the Wa’a arrival has set the scene for the 11 day event which is expected to host more than 2500 delegates from more than 20 nations from the Pacific Basin set to showcase their culture and traditions for the world to see.
Speaking to local media earlier last month at Washington Place, Governor of Hawaii Josh Green says, “It’s our privilege to host this extraordinary event for the first time in Hawaii,” .
“I want everyone to think of FestPAC as a cross between the Olympic Games and the Merrie Monarch.
The festival was first launched in 1972 to showcase the arts and culture of diverse Indigenous groups.
It is the first time Hawaii is hosting; after they were forced to cancel in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic.
