To experience the culture, tourists travel from far to attend the Reeds festival. The two-day event is held after every 48 months on the island in Papua New Guinea, specifically Arawa town. It is an excellent way to interact with the traditions of the island while admiring their costumes and enjoying their dances.
Originally, the festival was set up to showcase and protect the unique culture of the Bougainville people. Its name came from the reeds used in making musical instruments such as bamboo panpipes that are used in music enjoyed by the community. During the festival, women and men wear tapa cloth and grass skirts on the lower part leaving their upper body exposed. The tapa cloths are made from dyed tree barks revealing beautiful natural colors. They also wear traditional jewelry like hairbands, necklaces, armbands, and belts. The festival comprises of captivating performances by both men and women which include gracious movements and swaying of hips to the hypnotic music. Some dances are done by men alone and others strictly women giving a chance for travelers to enjoy a variety of performances and experience the rich Bougainville culture.