Marshall Islands Manit Day

Marshall Islands Manit Day (Marshall Islands Custom Day)

Last Friday in September

Cultural values and customs in the Marshall Islands are known as manit. Manit Day is part of the annual cultural festival Lutok Kobban Alele, which is the last week of September. The purpose of Lutok Kobban Alele is to promote and preserve the Marshallese culture.
The Manit Day celebration takes place near the Alele Museum, Library, and National Archive, which displays exclusive and original artifacts of the Marshall Islands. On Manit Day, people from the general public can set up a booth outside the museum to sell their handicrafts, food, drinks, etc. Many Marshallese handicrafts are known for their high quality and use of natural products. Woven baskets, fans, hats, wall hangings, purses, mats, coasters, and Marshallese stick charts are made from such raw materials as coconut, pandana leaves, and likajir shells. Popular Marshallese products also include such coconut oil products as hand soaps and laundry detergents. These products are good for the skin, but they do not harm the environment.
As part of the celebration, children from all of the public schools have the opportunity to perform dances, sing songs, perform skits, or tell folklore stories. In addition, some local traditional contest games, including coconut husking and basket weaving, are often conducted.

CONTACTS:
Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands
2433 Massachusetts Ave. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20008
202-234-5414; fax: 202-232-3236
www.rmiembassyus.org
Marshall Islands Visitors Authority
P.O. Box 5
Majuro, 96960 Republic of the Marshall Islands
www.visitmarshallislands.com
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Celebration days: Sep 30, 2011; Sep 28, 2012; Sep 27, 2013; Sep 26, 2014; Sep 25, 2015