Oahu, Hawai’i – On Saturday, June 15th, the Micronesian Festival, an event tied to FestPAC, was held at Bishop Museum starting at 9 am to celebrate Micronesia. This event included participation from the FSM states of Yap, Chuuk, Kosrae, and Pohnpei, as well as the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Guam, and other islands. Each island displayed and sold items representing their culture and performed traditional dances. The Yap delegation attended the festival to support the Remathau community, who are part of the Yapese organization in Hawai’i, with their booths and performances.
In the afternoon, the 15 young girls from Tamil in the Yap delegation had the opportunity to perform the traditional sitting dance called Leebirang, which they had performed at the Hawai’i Convention Center the previous week. The festival continued with live music, food trucks, and other islands showcasing their culture and traditions. Additionally, the continuous support and assistance provided by the Yapese community in Oahu to the Yapese delegates not only signifies a strong sense of community but also highlights the deep-rooted cultural bonds and mutual respect among the members. This collaboration includes logistical support, such as transportation and meal-plan arrangements, as well as emotional encouragement, demonstrating the importance of unity and solidarity.
The Yap delegates successfully departed Hawai’i after attending the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) and arrived in the State of Yap early on Wednesday morning, June 19, 2024, via United Airlines. During their stay, the delegates participated in various cultural performances and exchanges, showcasing the rich heritage of Yap. The FestPAC event highlighted the unity and diversity of Pacific cultures. Looking ahead, the next 14th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture will be held in New Caledonia in 2028, promising another vibrant celebration of Pacific Island traditions and arts.
(For further details, please contact DYCA at (691)350-2168. Thank you.)
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