With this year’s theme, Orremel a Kerruul, the three-day event aims to enhance Palau’s economy by showcasing tourism and its cultural diversity.
The festivities start on Friday with a bike race around Babeldaob on 5:30 a.m. But in Koror, the event will kick off at 8:00 a.m. with the Parade of Nations.
According to Pia Morei, Director of the Belau National Museum and one of the organizers of the event, representatives of 16 States will be joining the Parade of Nations, followed by the embassies of Japan, Republic of China, Philippines, Bangladesh, among others.
Right after the Parade of Nations, there will be an official opening ceremony to be held in front of the Old Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK) building. President Johnson Toribiong and High Chief Reklai Raphael Ngirmang will be gracing the event.
At 9:00 a.m. a live band entertainment will start playing in front of the Old OEK office simultaneous with the opening of various booths for displays and exhibits.
Morei said the Bureau of Agriculture will be showcasing their farm animals and different produce, while the Marine Resources will be exhibiting their products, such as clams and sea cucumbers.
From 11 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. there will be visual arts exhibition, woodwork, carving and weaving demonstration and jewelry exhibits.
“There will be a pottery exhibition, demonstrations of woodcarving and weaving, as well as exhibits of farm animals, agriculture produce and flowers,” Morei shared in an interview.
There will also be a musical contest from 1:00 p.m. to 3 p.m., as well as traditional games competition at the Asahi Baseball Field from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Fun and entertainment continues until 5:00 p.m. for the States Traditional dish tasting, and a performing arts dance competition until 9:00 p.m.
Morei said all three ministries, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and Tourism; the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Industries and Commerce; and the Ministry of Community and Cultural Affairs are working together to make the event more fun and memorable.
“We are all working together to promote Palau and its tourism industry,” Morei added.
The activities continue on Saturday and Sunday, plus a boat race at Japan Palau Friendship Bridge will also be held.
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