PORT MORESBY — Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Mekere Morauta officially launches preparations for Port Moresby’s Hiri Moale Festival, with 2001 Hiri Hanenamo queen Sibona Bogahenao and runner-up Loa Taunao.
Morauta said September’s festival would strengthen the cultural tradition of friendship and exchange that underpins Hiri Moale. “It will demonstrate that those traditions are as relevant today as they were when our forefathers began the Hiri trade,” he said.
People on the Gulf of Papua—on which Port Moresby sits—celebrate the Hiri Moale festival each September.
At this time of year the tradewinds change and for hundreds of years brought Motu seafarers home from a hazardous voyage to trade clay pots for sago and other food.
According to tradition, these trips were necessary as there were usually droughts along the Motuan coastline at this time and the food helped people survive.
Festival chairperson Rahe Maraki Rau said the event is very important because it maintains the traditional identity of the Motu-Koitabu and the Central people.
