Manit Day 2022

On September 30, 2022, the RMI will have its annual Manit (Custom) Day celebration. The purpose of this day is to honor the Marshallese culture and heritage. Manit Day has been declared a public holiday, and it was established to honor the nation's rich and diverse cultural history. It takes place during the annual week-long celebration of Marshallese culture, Lutok Kobban Alele. The week-long event will be held between September 26 and September 30, 2022. With the theme "Lale am Kotwa Bwe Loem Eo In"—this Marshallese phrase can only refer to "sailing." Loem is a location in the ocean that is known to be notorious for its hazardous sailing conditions due to the strong winds and currents. This theme simply translates to "Be careful how you navigate, as we are in dangerous waters." The Manit week-long festivities have always felt like a spirit week. The Alele Museum encourages the public to do the following:
 

• ● Monday: Wear Marshallese clothes in the color of the Marshallese flag.
• ● Tuesday: Marshallese handicrafts.
• ● Wednesday: Marshallese local hats or head leis.
• ● Thursday: Cook Marshallese Local food.
• ● Friday: Lutak Kobban Alele Virtual Program. This is where the Alele Museum showcases and educates us of marshallese proverbs, words, legends, traditions, etc. It has also been made a public holiday.

Before the pandemic struck the RMI, typically at the end of the week-long celebration, Manit Day was celebrated with singing and dancing performances, colorful parades, sports games, traditional canoe races, craft fairs, food booths, basket weaving and coconut husking competitions, and other festive events and activities This year will be marked as the first Manit Day event that will be done virtually, as we restrict the spread of the pandemic. In addition to the flyer, here are some of the activities done in previous Manit Day events (pre-COLVID). Photo credit goes to Chewy Lin.