Last Updated on February 12, 2024 by Travelationship
Are you looking to see the most fantastical cultural event on the planet? If so then the Goroka Show is exactly what you are looking for. Every year in September the town of Goroka bursts at the seams, as people flood in for the event. The show consists of multiple tribes and some dance groups that come together to have a Sing Sing (dance contest).
Not only is it a stunning sight to see, but you will have a chance to meet some of the friendliest people on earth. They are proud and delighted to tell you about their costumes and where they come from. It was one of the most enjoyable times we have ever had. If visiting the Goroka Show is something you think you want to do, and trust me it is, visit our article Goroka Show – Things to Know Before You Go.
Ever since art school, I have had mixed feelings about photographing people, whether on the street or at an event. Meeting the friendly people at the Goroka show put me at ease in a way that I have never felt. Heather and I had such a remarkable time that looking at each picture brings up distinct memories and feelings.
The Goroka Show Photo Essay
I must warn you, it was hard to choose which photos would go in this post, so there are 40 of them. Keep an eye out for details, as there are so many. For example in the photo directly following the text, you will see a vibrantly covered headdress. Each one of those green, red and yellow sticks jetting out is a different bird. One thing that is being introduced is dyed chicken feathers to help reduce the cost to local bird populations. **Bird lovers I must apologize in advance**
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Wow, this is such a great insight into an often under explored culture. You really managed to capture a glimpse into these people’s lives and the colours are just incredible. It must have been a privilege to see this in person
Thanks. It was truly a privilege
I don’t know what’s more fascinating: the headdresses, the face coverings or the looks in everyone’s eyes. Really amazing. And I love that photographing them was acceptable and a comfortable experience. I too struggle to photograph people in a non-intrusive way, so bravo.
The more we look st the photos the more we see and the more we fall in love with this experience
The colour and vibrancy of the Goroka show comes alive through your post. The pictures are absolutely stunning and bring alive the atmosphere of the festival.
Thank you
Great portraits, glad you had a good time there, would love to know more about the faces behind the photos!
Thank you
OMG! Amazing head gears and face packs!
What a wonderful photo opportunity for you! Loved all your pics.
Thank you
Awesome photos! Love those faces! Did you take these with a DSLR or an iPhone?
Thank you. Sony RXIII 100 and Canon 5DS
Wow! This is simply stunning photography of an amazing cultural event. How amazing that you were able to shoot this in such an intimate way. Great photography my friend.
Thank you
This is so beautiful and your photographs captures the entire elegance and beauty of the occassion. I love how colourful the costumes and make up are. They are really portraying the culture and artistics aspect along with social anthropology of the place.
Thank you. The people of PNG are quite proud of their heritage and love to share it.
Oh my goodness…I’m so in awe of your photos. These people are absolutely breathtaking.
Yes, the people were incredible.
The colors are so vivid, but it’s the facial expressions that really draw me in.
When we were able to get eye contact it made the photos feel more real
Wow, amazing photos!
Thank you
Vivid colours! Lovely!
Yes, so many colors every where
What amazing photos!
I’d love to hear more about your visit to PNG, as it sadly has a bad reputation and therefore really doesn’t get all that many tourists, other than those hiking the Kokoda Track!
It was pretty fantastic. Our biggest frustration was public transport -lack of. It’s quite expensive, but so worth it. We have post coming out next week with more info.
Wow, the photos are beautiful. It looks fun!
Thanks. Yes, it was quite fun.
Great pictures it almost puts us there with them
Thanks! Glad you like the pics