Tuesday, December 28, 2010

New Year in Papua New Guinea - Hamamas Niu Yia Olgeta!

Here's a New Year's Eve entry reposted from 2010.

It's hot, dark and still along the Sepik and Karawari River banks. Then the first beats are heard in the distance. Garamut drums are carrying the message from village to village: "Hamamas Niu Yia Olgeta!" Happy New Year to All!

In Papua New Guinea's towns, truck drivers pull over at trade stores to buy a Coke or a beer. At midnight they reach into their vehicles to honk their horns. Cheers can be heard from nearby houses where families and friends have gathered: "Hamamas Niu Yia Olgeta!"

Tomorrow may be a good day for a mumu.....

copyright (c) 2007 - 2011 Mary Jane Murray