The Maopa Levapuka Tovi Cultural Festival has officially launched the 2026 festival calendar of the National Cultural Commission, taking place in Maopa Village along the Aroma coastline in Abau District, Central Province.

Now in its second year, the festival continues to celebrate and showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Aroma coastline. First held in 2025 during the eve of Papua New Guinea’s golden jubilee, the event was established to revive, promote, and preserve traditional practices unique to the region.

The “Tovi” dance of the Maopa people is originally introduced through cultural exchange with the Mailu area in the eastern part of Central Province, the Tovi dance is performed by skilled dancers balancing on coconut trunks elevated between 2.4 and 3 meters above the ground an impressive display of agility and tradition.

The 2026 festival attracted participation from 10 wards (Ward 10: Kelerakwa to Ward 19: Paramana) and 7 primary schools within the Aroma Local Level Government area, reflecting growing community engagement and youth involvement.

Attending the event was MLTC Festival Chairman Mr. Avis Vanua Vevao, Verelemo Foundation Inc. Chairman Mr. Uali Makara (the festival’s sponsor), ward councillors, and representatives from the National Cultural Commission, including Festival and Events Officer Mr. Eugene Avediba, who represented the Executive Director Mr. Steven Enomb Kilanda.
Mr. Vevao encouraged communities to take pride in and ownership of their cultural heritage and continue to preserve and promote their culture.

Mr. Avediba, who officially opened the festival, commended the people of Abau for their commitment and emphasized the importance of introducing cultural education at an early age.

“I am happy to see that all participating 10 wards and 7 primary schools are enthusiastic to take part in this festival. That also meets our vision and mission of the National Cultural Commission, that is to preserve, promote and safeguard our intangible arts and culture.

How do we preserve, promote, and safeguard our culture? By involving the younger generations that are in the primary schools to take part in cultural festivals. In the future, you guys will be the next ones to pass on this practices to the next generation,” he said.

Mr. David Taim, Executive Manager for Festivals, Marketing, Cultural Services, and Arts Industry Development at the National Cultural Commission, announced a contribution of K10,000 to support the festival.

Although unable to attend, the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority also contributed K10,000 and extended its apologies to the organizers.

As the first cultural event on the 2026 National Cultural Commission calendar, the Maopa Levapuka Tovi Cultural Festival sets a strong tone for the year, highlighting the importance of cultural preservation and community participation across Papua New Guinea.