HONOLULU — Predrag Cvetkovski, a Waikiki resident from Macedonia, attended the Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture opening ceremony with his wife on Thursday, joining thousands of people at the University of Hawai‘i’s Stan Sheriff Center for the event, which was free to the public. HONOLULU — Predrag Cvetkovski, a Waikiki resident from Macedonia, attended the Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture opening ceremony with his wife on Thursday, joining thousands of people at the University of Hawai‘i’s Stan Sheriff Center for the event, which was free to the public. Cvetkovski said he learned about FestPAC from his wife, who wanted to attend the festival.
“Having lived in Hawai‘i, it’s so diverse, and there are so many cultures blooming here,” Cvetkovski said. He attended the Merrie Monarch festival in Hilo earlier this year and was particularly excited about FestPAC, which is larger and features a variety of cultures in addition to Hawai‘i’s. “We enjoy visiting different places and learning about the people and their diverse cultures, traditions and histories,” Cvetkovski said.
“That’s what Hawaii is all about.” The ceremony began with a formal parade of nations, beginning with Taiwan showcasing its traditional dances and presenting a gift to Gov. Josh Green.
The leader of Taiwan’s Indigenous people gave Green a framed leather carving made by the Paiwan tribe, showcasing three elements of the Paiwan culture: the sun, pottery and a bronze sword. “.
