The Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture (FestPAC) is the world’s largest celebration of indigenous Pacific Islanders. The South Pacific Commission (SPC), now The Pacific Community, launched this showcase of arts and culture in 1972 to halt the erosion of traditional practices through ongoing cultural exchange.
FestPAC is a highly anticipated event for both Pacific Islanders and visitors from around the world. The festival preserves traditional arts and culture, showcases contemporary indigenous Pacific Island artists, and provides an opportunity for artists and cultural practitioners to learn from each other, share stories, and forge lasting connections.
The festival features a diverse array of traditional and contemporary artistic expressions through exhibitions, workshops, and performances. These events highlight the rich tapestry of Pacific Island traditions, including tattoo, carving and weaving, voyaging, tools and weaponry, culinary traditions, and contemporary fashion.
Performing Arts feature heritage and contemporary music, dance, drumming, storytelling, theater arts, films, and media. Visuals arts highlight the evolving nature of Pacific art in drawing, painting, prints, sculptures, and photography with a focus on the intersection of tradition and innovation.
The following ceremonies highlight the festival’s dedication to fostering unity and respect among its diverse participants:
- The Canoe Arrival Ceremony initiates the festival, symbolizing unity as traditional canoes bring in cultural representatives from various Pacific nations.
- The Opening Ceremony launches the festivities with performances, speeches, and a Parade of Nations.
- An Ecumenical Service adds a spiritual aspect, uniting attendees in reflection and prayer.
- The Closing Ceremony concludes the event, celebrating achievements with performances and expressions of gratitude.
More info: Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture – Hawaiʻi (festpachawaii.org)
2024 FestPAC in Hawaiʻi
Since its inception, FestPAC has been hosted by different Pacific Island nations every four years.
The 2024 theme is “Ho‘oulu Lāhui: Regenerating Oceania”, honoring the traditions that FestPAC exists to perpetuate with an eye toward the future. Oʻahu will host more than 2,500 delegates representing at least 28 Pacific nations.
- What: The 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture will convene for the first time in Hawaiʻi.
- When: June 6-16, 2024.
- Where: The Festival Village (June 7-8, 10-15) at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center is the location for the main events and exhibitions.
Other primary venues around Oʻahu include University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Capitol Modern – The Hawaiʻi State Art Museum, Bishop Museum, and Kualoa Regional Park.
More info: 2024 Festival Schedule — 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture – Hawaiʻi (festpachawaii.org)
Event calendar of free and affordable things to do
Listed below are all types of free and affordable things to do in the next 30 days across the Hawaiʻi Pae ʻĀina.
Featured Events are listed first each day, highlighted by a photo. These are unique, popular, or annual events that we or our advertisers don’t want you to overlook.
You might also like: Hawaiʻi on the Cheap – affordable living and things to do (hawaiionthecheap.com)
Hawaii Convention Center, 1801 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
