“Our unique culture deserves global recognition. The world should know Wogasia exists, because it represents the strength, resilience, and spirituality of our people.”
One of the Solomon Island’s most dramatic cultural events, the centuries-old Wogasia Spear Throwing Festival has once again proven a major success for the people of Santa Catalina.
Taking place from 25-27 May and following a tradition set down for hundreds of years, this year’s festival has again achieved its objective, uniting the Atawa and Amoea tribes in a sacred celebration of thanksgiving, cultural preservation, and ancestral tribute.
Tourism Solomons Acting CEO, (Ag) Dagnal Dereveke said events alike Wogasia are unique to the Solomon Islands and so much more than just cultural performance.
But more, he said, needs to be done to bring the event, and other similar events, to world-wide attention.
“To the people of Santa Catalina, Wogasia is sacred, real, and powerful and we must ensure we continue to support and promote this event as a symbol of cultural pride for all Solomon Islanders,” Mr Dereveke said.
“By not promoting Wogasia to the world, we are missing a chance to showcase one of the most unique and authentic cultural experiences the Pacific has to offer.
Mr Dereveke said Wogasia and other of the Solomon Islands’ festivals offered a perfect opportunity for international visitors to truly experience and immerse themselves in the Solomon Islands unique culture.
“We need to create accessible travel packages that allow visitors to witness our cultural treasure respectfully and meaningfully.
“Our unique culture deserves global recognition. The world should know Wogasia exists, because it represents the strength, resilience, and spirituality of our people.”
Mr Derevek also emphasised the impact festivals have for local communities.
“These events are economic lifelines, creating jobs, driving demand for local products and services, and spreading benefits throughout the community.”
Deeply rooted in tradition, Wogasia marks a time for giving thanks to the (pre-missionary era) ‘God of Providence’ for the continued abundance of seafood, fruits, and crops that sustain the Santa Catalina community.
Following a tradition set down for hundreds of years, this year’s festival opened at midnight with a powerful ritual to purge evil spirits, sickness, and anger which saw villagers ran through the night wielding burning coconut husks and beating fronds on the ground.
Daybreak marked the start for the dramatic spear fighting which is again repeated at sunset.
The women of Santa Catalina too play a key role in the event, their presence signifying the fertility of the land.
While seen as a display of physical prowess, Wogasia serves many purposes acting as a showcase of traditional poetry and chant, a rite of passage for young men and an opportunity to resolve any outstanding disputes between both villages.