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On September 16, the people of Papua New Guinea celebrate their independence from Australian rule on Papua New Guinea Independence Day. This day marks the country's liberation and self-governance after many years of colonization. The celebrations are full of traditional dances, parades, feasts, and cultural displays that showcase the rich heritage and diversity of this beautiful nation. It's a time to reflect on the past struggles and achievements, as well as look towards a bright future for Papua New Guinea. So let's join in the joyous festivities and celebrate this important day with our friends from PNG!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1884</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Colonial Rule Begins</div><div class='timeline-text'>Germany and Britain establish colonies in the Northern and Southern parts of Papua New Guinea respectively.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1906</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Transfer of Power to Australia</div><div class='timeline-text'>Britain hands over control of its colony to Australia, making Papua a territory of the latter.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1949</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Integration of Papua and New Guinea</div><div class='timeline-text'>Following World War II, Australia combines its administration of Papua and the former German New Guinea into the Territory of Papua and New Guinea.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1972</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Self-Governance Preparation</div><div class='timeline-text'>Australia begins preparing Papua New Guinea for self-governance by forming a coalition government led by Chief Minister Michael Somare.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1975</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Independence Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>On September 16, Papua New Guinea becomes an independent country, severing its ties with Australia.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2005</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>30th Independence Day Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>Papua New Guinea marks the 30th anniversary of its independence with nationwide celebrations, reflecting on their journey and growth as a nation.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a cultural festival</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Celebrate Papua New Guinea's rich and diverse culture by attending a cultural festival. You'll get to experience traditional dances, music, food, and more.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn about Papua New Guinea's history</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to educate yourself about the history of Papua New Guinea and its journey to independence. Visit museums or read books about the country's past.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a traditional feast</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather your friends and family and host a traditional PNG feast! Serve dishes such as kokoda (raw fish in coconut cream) and mumu (meat and vegetables cooked in an underground oven) to celebrate the country's cuisine.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a parade</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities in Papua New Guinea hold parades and other festivities on Independence Day. Find out if there is one near you and watch the colorful displays of national pride.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Decorate with traditional colors and symbols</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get into the spirit of Independence Day by decorating your home or workplace with the colors of Papua New Guinea's flag - red, black, and gold - and other traditional symbols such as the Bird of Paradise.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It marks a significant moment in history</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Papua New Guinea Independence Day celebrates the country's independence from Australia on September 16, 1975. This event marked the end of colonial rule and allowed Papua New Guinea to govern itself - making it an important day for the nation's history and identity.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It showcases culture and diversity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Papua New Guinea is home to over 800 different languages and has a rich cultural heritage. Independence Day provides an opportunity to celebrate this diversity and showcase the unique traditions, customs, and beliefs of the people who call it their home.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings people together in celebration</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Independence Day is a national holiday in Papua New Guinea, meaning schools, businesses, and government offices are closed - allowing families and friends to come together and celebrate as a community. It's a time for reflection, pride, and togetherness.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Papua New Guinea is Among World's Most Linguistically Diverse Country</h3><p class='facts-content'>Known for its diversity, with over 800 different languages spoken, Papua New Guinea is often considered the most linguistically diverse country in the world.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Papua New Guinea Holds Unique Form of Communal Land Ownership</h3><p class='facts-content'>In Papua New Guinea, nearly 97% of the land is under customary ownership, where land is handed down from generation to generation within tribes and clans. A testimony to how deep their roots of tradition and culture run.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Papua New Guinea's Independence Day Was Preceded by a Decade-Long Preparation</h3><p class='facts-content'>The path to independence was not sudden. It followed a ten-year preparation period in which Australia helped establish necessary government services and institutions.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Country Houses an Unparalleled Biodiversity</h3><p class='facts-content'>Papua New Guinea is home to the third largest rainforest in the world and houses a staggering biodiversity, including several species that are unique to the region.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Papua New Guinea's Flag Holds Deep Symbolic Meaning</h3><p class='facts-content'>The national flag, designed by schoolgirl Susan Karike, features a Bird of Paradise (the national bird) signifying freedom, and the Southern Cross, indicating the country's geographical location in relation to other nations in the South Pacific.</p></div></div>
Papua New Guinea Independence Day is celebrated on September 16 every year. In 2024, Papua New Guinea Independence Day will fall on a Monday.
2023
Sep 16
Saturday
2024
Sep 16
Monday
2025
Sep 16
Tuesday
2026
Sep 16
Wednesday
2027
Sep 16
Thursday
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