Rabaul, PNG Baining Fire Dance  This is an experience I won’t ever forget! Papua New Guinea has some of the most interesting cultures which are still predominant today.

Amazingly, many traditional dances and customs still regularly take place, and not just as a tourist trap. Amongst the many tribes around Rabaul area are the Baining. They live in the mountains of Rabaul, where they were apparently banished long ago by the Tolai tribe.

To celebrate events such as rites of passage, harvests, or births, the Baining make these amazing fire dances. The preparation of mask-making takes a month to complete. In the past, only men were allowed to take part in the event but now women and children can watch, though not dance.

A huge fire is lit and the men dance around the flames while chanting. The chant is absolutely intoxicating, especially in the outdoor setting under nightfall. The most impressive part about the dances is the huge masks which are made out of bark and wood.

After the fire dance is over, these masks are destroyed!

We were lucky enough to find a local guide to take us to the dances. There are a lot of these local “tour guides” around Rabaul but you can ask in your hotel for advice. If you can’t get to the Baining fire dance, then you at least have to check out one of the Tolai performances.

Lots of hotels have shows for their guests but you can take an organized tour also to get more of an authentic setting.