Rabaul town to celebrate Frangipani Festival - 22nd annievrsary of Tavuvur volcanic eruptions from 15th Sept to 18th Sept, 2016

Celebrating the rebirth of Rabaul Town will be the Frangipani Festival held in East New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea.

Held in September, this festival celebrates the survival of Rabaul after the 1994 twin volcanic eruptions that almost completely destroyed the Rabaul Township.

The festival is named after the “Frangipani flower” which was the first plant to blossom in the midst of the ashes and until today the sweet smell permeates the streets of Rabaul town.

East New Britain Province is gearing up for a joint celebration that is expected to start on PNG’s Independence eve on September 15 and will continue on to the 18th in collaboration with the 22nd anniversary of the twin volcanic eruptions of both Tavuvur and Vulcan.

The festivity starts with a float parade followed by dances, singsings as well as canoe races.
The event brings together locals and former Rabaul residents and visitors in the spirit of renewal and to strengthen partnership in rebuilding one of PNG’s major and historical towns.
The Frangipani Festival celebrates the rebirth of Rabaul town in East New Britain after the twin volcanic eruptions in 1994.

Named after the frangipani flower, the town’s signature bloom and the first plant to blossom in the midst of the ash, the festival brings together locals and former Rabaul residents in the spirit of renewal and to strengthen the partnerships in rebuilding one of Papua New Guinea's most beloved historical towns.

The 2016 Frangipani Festival will be held September 16th to 17th in Rabaul.
Some of the festival highlights will be cultural singsings - including the incredible Baining Fire Dance and the Tolai Whip Dance, as well as rock bands, colourful float parades, spectacular fireworks and an exciting canoe race around the famous Beehives landmark in the Simpson Harbour.

The residents of Rabaul welcome you to join them in this exciting event and watch Rabaul come alive once again like Mount Tavurvur.

For further information contact the Rabaul Historical Society via email at: rabaulmuseum@gmail.com or phone: +675 982-1999.

Rabaul Frangipani Festival 2015.

VIDEO: A short insight into the once thriving city of Rabaul in Papua New Guinea. Surviving 2 devastating volcanic eruptions, its people continue to return to the only home they have ever known. Shot on location in June 2015.

Source: PNG Loop & Tourism Promotion Authority.