Nete Lyaim Festival
Yalum Airstrip, Porgera District
16 - 18 SEPTEMBER, 2026
UNITING TRIBES WITH CULTURE FOR PEACE
The Nete Lyaim Cultural Festival is a vibrant, relatively new event held in one of the most remote regions of Enga Province, Papua New Guinea. It serves as both a cultural celebration and a symbolic "opening of doors" for a region that has historically lacked government services and faced decades of tribal conflict
Launched officially in late 2020 by the National Cultural Commission (NCC), the festival aims to preserve, promote, and safeguard local cultural heritage while fostering peace and reconciliation among formerly warring tribes.
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Cultural Highlights
Visitors can witness a rare showcase of remote highland traditions, including:
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Sing-Sings & War Dances: Powerful performances from remote mountain tribes.
Bilas: Intricate traditional attire and dramatic body art.
Local Skills: Demonstrations of traditional weaponry, bamboo instrument performances, and craft stalls featuring handwoven bilums.
Historical Significance: In 2020, the festival coincided with a mass surrender and burning of weapons (guns, bows, and arrows) by local tribes, marking a significant move toward long-term peace in the region
VISITOR INFORMATION
Location
The festival is staged at the Yalum Airstrip in the Nete Lyaim LLG, located within the Lagaip-Porgera District of Enga Province.
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Getting There: Reaching the festival often involves an adventurous two-day trek starting from Mulitaka High School, just off the Highlands Highway.
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Accommodation: Because of its remote nature, visitors typically camp in the Highlands mountains alongside the local Yalum people.
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CONTACT:
Mr Miok Michael
Email: nlculturalfestival333@gmail.com
Phone: +675 7365-5539 ​​​
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