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”.

weaving coconut frond

Canoes of the Marshall Islands are racing

opposite side too

Canoes of the Marshall Islands

more Joy under the sun

Returning from the race

Women’s getting ready to race

taking a breath

Coconut unshelling contest – with a tool named “droon”

Lutok Koban Alele – 2015

Pull!

weaving coconut frond

Women’s rowing contest

weaving coconut frond

Canoes of the Marshall Islands on Delap beach

weaving coconut frond

weaving coconut frond

Returning from the race

Lutok Koban Alele 2015 Event

Lulu and Mabel are racing

Crowd at the Lutok Koban Alele

Coconut unshelling contest – or strength

Lutok Koban – Returning from the race

Ready? go!

Photos courtesy Carol Curtis