Cane Swallowing is a traditional initiation ceremony performed exclusively by it is a sacred initiation ritual, it is ceremony practiced to initiated boys into manhood.
Yasina Cane Swallowing Festival in September attracted a bumper crowd of more than 2,000 people. Cane swallowing is a nerve-wrecking sacred initiation ritual of manhood practiced in most parts in the Unggai Bena District of Eastern Highlands Province.
It is a rare cultural practice only performed in the upper and lower Bena areas of Eastern Highlands Province.
Locals say the practice has been slowly dying away, and that the festival has come about on time to preserve a rare culture from complete extinction. Yasina Cane Swallowing Festival is a duly registered show with National Cultural Commission. It was sanctioned and launched in 2021.
This year, NCC traveled to Yasina to witness the second show and supported it with K5, 000.
Stay up-to-date with the latest happenings, achievements, and upcoming events in the NCC community. Our newsletters will feature inspiring stories, interviews with cadets and officers, and highlights from various NCC units across the country.
The National Cultural Commission (NCC) is a governmental organization under the Ministry of Tourisms. Arts and culture, tasked with promoting, preserving, and safeguarding Papua New Guinea’s rich cultural heritage.
Stay up-to-date with the latest happenings, achievements, and upcoming events in the NCC community. Our newsletters will feature inspiring stories, interviews with cadets and officers, and highlights from various NCC units across the country
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