Papua Events, Things to Do and Festivals 2014 / 2015

(Papua, Indonesia)

Tourism has long been a big part of life in Papua, and the Indonesian's here are known for their plentiful annual festivals. Each year in the middle of January, the Papua Tourism Week is one event worth experiencing and is based around Jayapura.

Also in Jayapura (Eastern Papua), although this time in August, the Jayapura Cultural Festival is another highlight. This popular event features Indonesian dancing and traditional musical performances from all around the region.

Papua Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

August 17th is an important date throughout the country, since it is Indonesian Independence Day (Hari Proklamasi Indonesia), commemorating the independence gained after more than 350 years of Dutch rule. In Papua, Independence Day offers the chance to party with the locals and join in with their various customs.

The Asmat region of Eastern Papua is a further festival hotspot, with one of the biggest and more notable seasonal things to do being the Asmat Art and Culture Festival. This event is staged in early October and see the region's acclaimed woodcarving showcased at its very best. You will also likely find some displays of traditional dancing.

Each year in the middle of August, the village of Yetni becomes the primary city for the Baliem Festival, which usually takes place over five days, during the middle of the month. Highlights include traditional Indonesian dancing, music, pig races and even tribal fights, with villagers adorned with colourful regalia.