NCD celebrates Highlands Day series of PNG Story leading up to the main celebrations in September

The vibrant spirit of the Highlands came alive last Saturday at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium as thousands gathered to celebrate Highlands Day, part of the ongoing PNG Story series leading up to Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary on September 16.

NCD Governor Hon. Powes Parkop, in delivering his keynote address, paid tribute to the proud heritage, immense contributions, and cultural richness of the Highlands region.

He acknowledged all seven provinces — Eastern Highlands, Simbu, Jiwaka, Western Highlands, Southern Highlands, Enga, and Hela — and warmly thanked attendees and participants for turning out in large numbers to celebrate the region’s unique identity.

“This is a very special moment in our country’s history,” Governor Parkop said.

“We’ve journeyed for thousands of years as tribes and peoples, and for 50 years as a contemporary state. The Highlands has contributed immensely — socially, politically, and economically — to our nation. Tonight, we honor that story.”

Cultural performances captivated the crowd, with colourful traditional dances, storytelling, and songs performed by groups representing each Highlands province. Food and artefact stalls operated by local SMEs were a crowd favorite, with traditional Highlands’s cuisines quickly selling out.

A highlight of the celebration was the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) student float. Students from the Highlands region proudly paraded in traditional attire, waving PNG flags and showcasing their cultures in a convoy of vehicles around the city before performing and presenting gifts to Governor Parkop.

The Governor applauded their participation, noting: “Our young people made a powerful statement today — they are proud Papua New Guineans, embracing unity in diversity. They are the future of this nation.”

The Highlands Day is the second-last event in the PNG Story series. The PNG Story series is being funded by the National Government and supported by the National Capital District Commission.

The final celebration — Momase Day — will be staged next Saturday at the same venue, concluding the regional tributes before the nation enters the final stretch toward its 50th Independence Anniversary.