If you are looking for cultural tourism inspiration for vacation, then the land of Papua is one of the best choices for you. This is because Papua is known to be rich in culture and traditions. Be it in the west or the east. For example, on Biak Island, where you can enjoy the Munara Wampasi Festival.
In the language of Biak, the word “Munara” means “traditional feast” and “Wampas” means “low tide”. So, Munara Wampas means a traditional feast when the sea is in a low tide. Then, when is the Munara Wampas Festival held? Usually, you will be able to see this festival from around April to August.
Then, what are the things you can do at the festival of Munara Wampas? Here are the lists of them!
- Enjoying the Snap Mor Traditions
Basically, the festival of Munara Wampas is one of the cultural festivals in Papua. So, it is clear that the main attraction at this festival is definitely the traditional culture of the Biak people. Then, the most popular of them all is probably the Snap Mor tradition.
Snap Mor is a tradition of catching fish at low tide that belongs to the Biak Tribe. In Biak Language, “Snap” means a coral or small stone that lies at the mouth of rivers, streams, and canals. While the word “Mor” means heaps of sea or fish as grains of fortune.
So, before they catch the fish, they need to purify themselves first. The reason is to make the catch more blessed. In the beginning, people will gather in a circle, and the leader will lead the prayer. Then, after the ritual is over, they will catch the fish together. Be it by using nets, spears, etc.
- Enjoying the Apen Beyeren Tradition
Aside from Snap Mor, there is another tradition you should not miss at the festival of Munara Wampas. It is the Apen Beyeren tradition or the tradition of walking on a hot stone. Usually, the Biak Tribe does this as a sign of respect for someone.
This tradition started from the tradition of cooking with hot stones at every tribal event or another big event. As time went by, this tradition developed into Apen Beyeren. People who follow this tradition are also diverse. Whether it is in terms of gender or age. But, that person must have a pure heart.
Wor Beyusser Dance is what started this tribal tradition. Usually, it is the children of Biak who dance to it with the accompaniment of Tifa. They dance around the new heat while chanting to God, called Neno-Neno. After that, people started walking past the hot stone.
In order to not get scalded, before walking on hot stones they have to apply oil to the soles of their feet. The oil is made from the leaves of Sindia.
- Enjoy the Craft Exhibition
When it comes to the festival of Munara Wampas, it is a loss if you did not see their craft exhibition. It is one of the must-have items if you come to Biak Numfor. One of them is Karwar. A wooden sculpture that has its own uniqueness. No wonder this souvenir from Papua attracts a lot of tourists.
Apart from having aesthetic value, Karwar also has religious value. This is because Karwar is one of the symbols of their ancestral spirit. The Biak Tribe believe that carving can connect them with their deceased ancestors. They can communicate with them by carving. One of them is Karwar.
Besides Karwar, you can also find various knick-knacks from shells. Starting from necklaces, bracelets, etc. Most of them are cute and also beautiful.Therefore, exploring the craft exhibitions is something you must do when you come to Munara Wampasi Festival. Do not forget to also enjoy the natural beauty of Biak when you are there. By snorkeling, for example.
