Pacific Festival of the Arts 2016 in Guam

The Pacific Festival of the Arts kicked off to a breathtaking start this morning with the arrival of a magnificent fleet of Vaka from neighboring regions and the federated stars of Micronesia.

Master navigator Tua Pittman from the Cook Islands says "while it was too far for our own vaka to come this year, it was a huge honour to be invited to sail in on the Chamorro vaka - we owe so much of our ocean craft to the Micronesians."

The traditional vaka of Micronesia made up most of the fleet for the festival opening including those from Saipan and Lamotrek who sailed for 6 days to reach Guahan.

The festival officially opens this evening with 27 countries from the Pacific region representing their Island nations in a spectacular opening ceremony for this unique showcase of arts and culture that lasts until June 4th.