The 11th Festival of Pacific Arts (FOPA) was held in Solomon Islands from 1 to 14 July 2012 under the topic of “Culture in Harmony with Nature.” It brought together performers and artists from 22 countries and territories in the Pacific region as well as thousands of visitors. The opening ceremony featured Vakas (traditional sailing canoes) and Tomokos (traditional war canoes) sailing into the beach and Pacific delegates welcoming the canoes with Haka (traditional dances).

Since 1972, the festival is held every four years. The festival is an attempt to combat the erosion of traditional customary practices in the region, and it is recognized as a major international cultural event. The next festival will be held in Guam in 2016.

For more information, please visit:
http://www.festival-pacific-arts.org.sb/