The 12th Festival of Pacific Arts (FOPA) kicked off in Guam yesterday (May 23). The festival brings together artists and cultural practitioners from around the Pacific region for two weeks of festivity.
It’s a cultural and tourism event only happening every 4 years and of a very special nature.
Guam made its bid to host the 12th Festival of Pacific Arts and was awarded this distinction at the 10th Festival held in American Samoa, in 2008. It was during the 11th Festival of Pacific Arts held in the Solomon Islands, July 2012, where Guam officially received the festival flag.
The 2016 festival is Guam’s opportunity to showcase its unique Chamorro culture that has survived colonization of the past and modernization of the present.
FOPA is recognized as a major regional cultural event, and is the largest gathering in which Pacific peoples unite to enhance their respect and appreciation of one another.
Tags: Festival of Pacific Arts
