FRANGIPANI FESTIVAL CAME ALIVE IN RABAUL AHEAD OF INDEPENDENCE DAY

By WASITA ROYAL

THE Queen Elizabeth Park Ashes Field came alive yesterday as the Frangipani Festival brought together citizens and businesses together for a vibrant pre-celebration of the nation’s 51st Independence Anniversary.

Held under the theme “Safety First,” the event was not the Independence Day celebration itself but a special day dedicated to Rabaul Town; its history, resilience, and people.

Organized by the Rabaul Historical Society and Rabaul District, the annual festival celebrates the community’s enduring spirit and cultural heritage.

The day began at 8 AM with a Rugby Final before the Gold Spot Float Parade gathered at the Pacific Industries Factory at 9 AM. By 10:30 AM, the floats were winding their 10 laps through Rabaul Town before the judges.

The EQF Band entertained the crowd from 12:30 PM, and at 1:00 PM, sponsors were thanked, including the Rabaul District, Governor Michael Marum, Pacific Industries, and the Agmark Group of Companies.

Later in the afternoon, the Gold Spot Float winners were announced: Coconut Products Ltd (Most Creative), Don Bosco (Best Design), JJS Holdings (Best Corporate), the Bainings Cultural Group (Best Cultural), Geo Gas (Best Representation of the Theme “Safety First”), Monolos Aviation (Most Unique), and St John’s Ambulance (Most Entertaining).

Tubuans and Sing Sing groups then took the stage for traditional performances and prize giving, closing out a day filled with color, culture, and community spirit. The program officially ended at 5 PM.

Speaking to FM100, Susie McGrade, owner of the Rabaul Hotel, said: “This is what the Frangipani Festival is all about; a community that comes together, celebrates who we are, and remembers where we come from.”

The festival carries deep meaning for the people of Rabaul. “It’s called the Frangipani Festival because we fall and we bloom again.”

Despite eruptions, challenges, and everything else, the people of Rabaul remain standing. They fall, and they always get up again.

Yesterday, they celebrated Rabaul Town. On the 16th of September, they will come together again to celebrate the nation’s 51st Independence Anniversary.