Held annually in September, coinciding with Papua New Guinea’s Independence celebrations, the Hiri Moale Festival is a vibrant tribute to the maritime traditions of the Motu and Koita people. Taking place at Ela Beach in Port Moresby, this iconic festival is a showcase of cultural pride, traditional seafaring skills, and the deep-rooted connection between the people and the ocean. The Hiri Moale Festival celebrates the historic Hiri trade voyages, which were once a crucial part of life for the coastal communities of Papua New Guinea.
The festival was first established as a way to honor the legacy of the Motuan seafarers, who undertook perilous journeys across the Gulf of Papua to trade clay pots for sago. Today, the Hiri Moale Festival is a symbol of resilience, cultural heritage, and the enduring bond between the Motu and Koita people and their maritime traditions. It is held around September 15th-17th, adding a colorful cultural dimension to Papua New Guinea’s Independence festivities.
Event Dates
The Hiri Moale Festival is held annually in mid-September, typically from the 15th to the 17th. These dates coincide with Papua New Guinea’s Independence celebrations, making it a vibrant time to visit Port Moresby and experience the fusion of cultural festivities and national pride.
What to Expect
Traditional Canoe Voyages
One of the highlights of the Hiri Moale Festival is the reenactment of the traditional canoe voyages. Gigantic lagatoi, the traditional double-hulled canoes used by the Motuan people, are carefully constructed using age-old techniques passed down through generations. These canoes, adorned with colorful decorations and sails made of woven pandanus leaves, take to the water to retrace the ancient trade routes of the Hiri expeditions.
The sight of these majestic canoes gliding across the ocean is a spectacle to behold, embodying the courage, craftsmanship, and spirit of adventure that defined the Hiri trade. Visitors can watch as crews navigate the waters, demonstrating the remarkable seafaring skills that were essential for survival and prosperity in the past. The traditional canoe voyages are a powerful reminder of the resourcefulness and resilience of the Motu people.
Hiri Hanenamo Pageant
Another major attraction of the Hiri Moale Festival is the Hiri Hanenamo Pageant. This pageant celebrates the beauty, grace, and cultural knowledge of young Motuan women. Contestants are judged on their traditional attire, knowledge of Motu customs, and their ability to represent the values of their community. The Hiri Hanenamo Pageant is more than just a beauty contest—it is a celebration of cultural pride, feminine strength, and the passing down of traditional values to the next generation.
For visitors, the pageant is an opportunity to witness the elegance and dignity of Motuan culture, as well as to learn about the customs and stories that are integral to the identity of the coastal communities. The vibrant traditional dresses, often adorned with shell jewelry and intricate designs, are a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Motu people.
Traditional Dances, Music, and Crafts
The Hiri Moale Festival is also a celebration of dance, music, and traditional craftsmanship. Throughout the festival grounds, visitors will find groups performing traditional dances to the beat of kundu drums, their movements telling stories of the sea, community life, and the ancestors who embarked on the Hiri voyages. The rhythmic sounds of the drums, combined with the colorful attire of the dancers, create an atmosphere of joy and cultural pride.
Local artisans also set up stalls, offering a wide range of handmade crafts, including shell necklaces, carved wooden items, and woven bilum bags. These crafts provide a glimpse into the skills and creativity of the Motuan and Koita people, and purchasing these items helps support the local community. Visitors can also sample traditional foods, such as sago-based dishes and fresh seafood, adding a culinary experience to the cultural immersion.
Conclusion
The Hiri Moale Festival is a celebration of maritime heritage, cultural resilience, and the enduring traditions of the Motu and Koita people of Papua New Guinea. Whether you are drawn by the majestic sight of the lagatoi canoes, the cultural beauty of the Hiri Hanenamo Pageant, or the vibrant dances and crafts, the Hiri Moale Festival offers a truly unique and enriching experience.
Attending the Hiri Moale Festival is an opportunity to connect with the maritime traditions that have shaped the history of Papua New Guinea’s coastal communities. It is a tribute to the courage, craftsmanship, and cultural pride of the Motu and Koita people, offering visitors a chance to witness the living history of the Hiri voyages. If you’re planning to visit Papua New Guinea in September, make sure to include the Hiri Moale Festival in your itinerary—it promises to be an experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the traditions and heritage of this beautiful nation.
