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”.

Women’s rowing contest

taking a breath

Women’s getting ready to race

Crowd at the Lutok Koban Alele

Ready? go!

Lutok Koban Alele – 2015

Returning from the race

Returning from the race

weaving coconut frond

Coconut unshelling contest – or strength

Lulu and Mabel are racing

weaving coconut frond

opposite side too

Pull!

Canoes of the Marshall Islands are racing

more Joy under the sun

weaving coconut frond

Coconut unshelling contest – with a tool named “droon”

Lutok Koban – Returning from the race

weaving coconut frond

weaving coconut frond

Canoes of the Marshall Islands

Canoes of the Marshall Islands on Delap beach

Lutok Koban Alele 2015 Event

Photos courtesy Carol Curtis