The 2016 Hiri Moale Festival starts with the welcoming of the Lakatoi (boat) that used to trade between Central and Kerema people

by GRACE AUKA SALMANG

THE 2016 Hiri Moale Festival begins today with the welcoming of the Hiri Moale lakatoi Oalabada Taoata and official opening festival by the National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop.

The chairman of the 2016 Hiri Moale Festival Opao Fo’o Udia and the organising committee said they were pleased with the overwhelming support shown by city residents and Motu-Koitabu villagers at the week’s events in the lead-up to the festival.

The two-day festival begins today while at 10am tomorrow the crowning of the 2016 Hiri Hanenamo will take place.

This will be followed by the closing of the festival by Moresby Northwest Michael Malabag who is Health Minister.

Other events that are expected to take place includes canoe racing, traditional dancing, choir and peroveta singing. The 2016 Hiri Moale Festival will be staged at Ela Beach.

Mr Udia and his organising committee are appealing to the residents of Port Moresby to participate in the festival in recognition of the traditional landowners of the city and surrounding areas.

"Come and join us in this festival and enjoy the activities that we have organised for you as Port Moresby residents," he said.

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Below are ADAM NOMI photographs of the 2016 Hiri Moale Festival in Port Moresby.

Source: Post Courier