[ad_1]
Welcome everyone
photo: RNZ Pacific/Tiana Haxton reports
A flotilla of traditional sailing canoes arrives at Kualoa Bay in Hawaii, heralding the opening of the 13th Annual Pacific Festival of Arts and Culture (FestPAC).
Hundreds of Pacific Islanders gathered on the shore to witness and participate in this special Wa’a ceremony.
The colorful exhibition of cultural activities provides a window into the official opening of FestPAC in the coming days (Thursday evening Hawaii time, Friday New Zealand time).
RNZ Pacific’s Tiana Haxton is reporting from the event.
The Cook Islands Vaka Marumaru Atua crew is welcomed ashore.
photo: RNZ Pacific/Tiana Haxton reports
FestPAC opening ceremony.
photo: RNZ Pacific/Tiana Haxton reports
Delegates prepare to welcome the Vaa Festival.
photo: RNZ Pacific/Tiana Haxton reports
photo: RNZ Pacific/Tiana Haxton reports
Delegates prepare to welcome the Vaa Festival.
photo: RNZ Pacific/Tiana Haxton reports
Delegates prepare to welcome the Vaa Festival.
photo: RNZ Pacific/Tiana Haxton reports
Dozens of small boats of all sizes sailed towards the shore, their sails dancing in the sky.
photo: RNZ Pacific/Tiana Haxton reports
On board each ship were the heads of delegation and representatives from the 27 Pacific nations participating in FestPAC.
photo: RNZ Pacific/Tiana Haxton reports
Welcome everyone
photo: RNZ Pacific/Tiana Haxton reports
The delegates received a warm welcome on the island.
photo: RNZ Pacific/Tiana Haxton reports
Welcome everyone
photo: RNZ Pacific/Tiana Haxton reports
photo: RNZ Pacific/Tiana Haxton reports
FestPAC opening ceremony.
photo: RNZ Pacific/Tiana Haxton reports
The Cook Islands Vaka Marumaru Atua crew is welcomed ashore.
photo: RNZ Pacific/Tiana Haxton reports
The New Zealand delegation performed an impromptu Haka dance.
photo: RNZ Pacific/Tiana Haxton reports
Staff and event attendees said FestPAC was living proof of the strong ties between Pacific nations – connecting far-flung lands across a vast ocean.
photo: RNZ Pacific/Tiana Haxton reports
[ad_2]
Source link
