The 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) in Honolulu, Hawaii, got off to an exhilarating start with Cook Islands and other Pacific nations showcasing their vibrant culture on stage last night.

The opening ceremony was held at the University of Hawaii at Manoa Stan Sherrif Centre where each country showcased their diverse indigenous culture and heritage.

The Cook Islands National Arts Theatre (CINAT) team of dancers and drummers was poised to take centre stage last night, ready to share the nation’s rich culture and traditions with the rest of the Pacific, as this edition went to print.

The 160-member Cook Islands delegation is led by Prime Minister Mark Brown, Minister for Cultural Development George “Maggie” Angene and Kaumaiti Nui Travel Tou Ariki.

PM Brown had earlier said that the Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture is a testament to the past leaders who initiated the concept of the festival. He said the FestPAC serves as a means of preserving Pacific traditions and showcasing Pacific cultures at a time when they were at risk of erosion and loss.

The event held every four years ends on June 16.