2016 Hiri Moale Festival attracted crowds during the weekend in Port Moresby

THE 2016 Hiri Moale Festival was once again lured crowds in the Nation’s Capital during the weekend - Friday September 30 and Saturday and October 1, 2016 at Ela Beach- the home of the Hiri Moale Festival.
The celebrations begin with the Hiri Hanenamo, leading up to the crowing of the Hiri Queen at the main event.
A total of 20 young women from along the Motu-Koita villages are vying for this year’s crown.

The first judging of the 2016 Hiri Hanenamo took place today at the Nature Park.

Twenty traditionally attired young women from Motu-Koita villages including Roku, Mirigini, Kouderika, Elevala, Tubusereia, Araira, Porebada, Tatana and Boera are in the race for the Hiri Queen crown.

The crowning event is one of the highlights of the main Hiri Moale Festival, which celebrates the traditions and cultures of the traditional landowners of Port Moresby.

Festival Coordinator, Kopi Iubu, said the Hiri Moale Festival was a celebration of the return of the Motu-Koita men after a long voyage to and from the Gulf villages exchanging clay pots for sago, during the time of food shortage.

The final judging will take place on Friday, and the winners will be announced on Saturday at Ela Beach.

Below are some of the photographs of the event.

Happy viewing!