Every year, the last week of September is recognized as the time for Lutok Koban Alele, which means ”the pouring out of all the products, stories, knowledge of Alele (museum). The last Friday of September is a national holiday called “Manit Day” (culture day) and during this day and into the next, traditional competitions are held, such as coconut husking, weaving baskets, various types of races, canoe sail races and canoe paddle races, along with traditional dancing. The photos below illustrate some of the activities on “Manit Day 2015”.

taking a breath

Lutok Koban Alele – 2015

Lutok Koban Alele 2015 Event

weaving coconut frond

Lulu and Mabel are racing

Pull!

Coconut unshelling contest – with a tool named “droon”

Canoes of the Marshall Islands on Delap beach

weaving coconut frond

Returning from the race

Ready? go!

Crowd at the Lutok Koban Alele

Women’s getting ready to race

opposite side too

Lutok Koban – Returning from the race

weaving coconut frond

weaving coconut frond

weaving coconut frond

Women’s rowing contest

Canoes of the Marshall Islands are racing

Canoes of the Marshall Islands

Coconut unshelling contest – or strength

Returning from the race

more Joy under the sun

Photos courtesy Carol Curtis