This morning, head into the highlands of the Gazelle Peninsula. It’s here that the Firedance Festival takes place, and tonight, you’ll enjoy another village homestay. You’ll be welcomed the village with a traditional Melanesian welcome ceremony – a common practice to show the village residents that your group is welcome. After, enjoy a traditional mumu lunch – where root vegetables are wrapped in leaves and cooked under hot stones. Settle into the local feel of the village, then later, the festivities will start. The traditional fire dancing ceremonies are a cultural spectacle for locals and visitors alike, and your expert local guides will be able to explain to you the historical importance of the dance, as well as the costumes and performance. As it goes into the night, villagers add bundles of firewood to the bonfire, and the fire-dancers will perform until their feet put out the last flames. Enjoy a barbecue dinner as you cherish this cultural moment.
Over the next 2 days, you will enjoy further performances from local cultural groups that take place across multiple villages. On the final morning, experience a closing party during which the village will farewell their guests. After saying goodbye to your hosts, you’ll make your way back to Kokopo.