‘Our home is your home’ - Festpac 2024 wraps up

The world’s largest Pacific cultural festival has ended in Hawai’i, and delegations are returning home bolstered by a sense of collective purpose and camaraderie.

After a week and a half of performances, exhibitions and discussions, the remaining attendees filled the Stan Sheriff Center with flags and triumphant singing for the Panina closing ceremony.

Festival chairman Kalani Ka’ana’ana said he was filled with gratitude for the spirit that each person brought, and urged people to take action in preserving Pacific culture and traditions.

“Let us not be the generation that is so awe-struck by our predecessors that we fail to add to the greatness of our line.”

Festpac delegates proudly waved flags as they came together for the closing ceremony. Photo/Inangaro Vakaafi

Delegations stood and cheered as their countries were named, and special acknowledgements were made for those who couldn’t be there, along with other race-based issues.

Songs and chants in support of Palestine were heard from the crowd during the closing speeches. Signs were held up in support of indigenous peoples of West Papua and New Caledonia and security pulled one down that read “STOP RIMPAC”, the world’s largest maritime warfare exercise.

The plight of indigenous kanak people of New Caledonia has been a unifying cause during the festival, with the country deciding not to attend following last month’s deadly protests in Noumea. In the FestPAC village, the empty hale (fale) became a hub for vigils, kava sessions and artistic expression.

Hawai’i governor Josh Green thanked everyone for coming.

"We acknowledge there are differences, we acknowledge there are challenges between nations but, in coming together as one Pacific ... we want you to know forever that our home is your home ... and we will continue to welcome you with love."

Festival highlights included the signing of the Tuurama Ariki declaration by paramount chiefs and Pacific royalty from Fiji, Hawai’i, the Chuuk state of Micronesia, Marshall Islands and Aotearoa New Zealand. The agreement pledges to use ancient indigenous knowledge and leadership to guide the next generation and address regional issues.

The festival was not without controversy, with social media divided on Fiji’s opening dance number, along with hidden costs for stall holders and a carver from the Cook Islands challenging a kapu (rule) which didn’t allow women to carve in that location.

New Caledonia is due to host the 14th FestPAC in 2028 and Council of Pacific Arts and Culture chair Emile Kairua invited everyone to start planning their journey.

"We will return to our home islands to replenish, to reload and to return to FestPAC 14,” he said.

"Let us all make the next family reunion in 2028 the biggest and the best."