Overall, it was a fantastic event and Skerah.com is pleased to have assisted the organisers in promoting this unique culture both locally and internationally. Special thanks also go to the sponsors for putting in their much needed finance and the exposure obtained from the event is definitely worth the money.

See you in 2010 for another voyage on the Skerah Lagatoi - BAMAHUTA!

UPDATE: 15 September 2009

Yesterday was the first day of the festival with floats, marching and peroveta songs by various community groups.

Today: went down to Ela Beach for the arrival of the Lagatoi and it was a fantastic event filled with kids dancing passionately and showing the true Hiri Moale culture.

Both Lagatois, one made by Gabagaba and the other by Rearea village arrived after 10am this morning and the scene was set for more dancing and the judging of the Hiri Hanenamo quest.

For photos on the days pics, see the link on the top left below "Relavent Links

It's back on again, Port Moresby's premier cultural event the Hiri Moale Festival.

History

The Hiri Moale Festival is a celebration and re-enactment of the ocean voyages (known as the Hiri Trade) made by the original land owners of Port Moresby and surrounding villages. The festival is held annually and the re-enactment is a celebration upon the successful return of the Lagatois, hence the Hiri Moale - the name given to today's modern day celebrations.

The Hiri Trade played a significant part in the lives of many Motuan people. This was a Trade expedition between the Motuan and the Gulf people in the Gulf of Papua. This was a form of barter trade where the Motuans traded Clay Pots for Sago with villagers along the Gulf coastline.

The Motuan (men) used to sail westwards during the south-easterly winds known locally as the "Laurabada winds". After the trade, they would return when the winds changed eastwards. These winds are called the "Lahara winds".

According to oral history, the first sailing trip was led by an Edai Siabo of Boera village. Siabo was said to be inspired by a sea spirit after a fishing trip. With this inspiration, he and his henchman built a lagatoi (double hulled canoe) and made the first trip to the Gulf coastline.

This trip and subsequent trips were necessary because during these times there was usually drought along the Motuan coastline. Return trips brought a bountiful of sago to last throughout this drought. The actual trade would take only a few days however the return trip usually took place after 2 to 3 months.

During the long wait repairs were done on the canoes and relationships strengthened amongst the traders. As a result of this long period of time away from home, it caused uncertainty back home - resulting in wives and partners of crewmembers re-marrying.

The return trips were usually dangerous as the wet winds brought with it storms. Lives were often lost during these trips. The last of such trading trips was in the late 1950's where a Lagatoi sank just off the coast of Boera village. Several lives were lost in this mishap.

The Hiri Moale Festival is a re-enactment of those voyages and next month, we hope to bring you some information on this upcoming event.

2009 Event

This year the event will be held on Monday 14 September 2009 to Wednesday 16 September 2009.

Those interested in being a part of this fantastic cultural event can expect to see the following activities:

• Arrival of the famous lagatoi
• Sene Mavaru - traditional dances
• Floats
• String Band music
• Choir
• Vanagi Race - canoe racing
• Hiri Hanenamo Quest

If you would like to have a look at the 2008 festival pics click here.