Photo: Hilary Hosia.
HILARY HOSIA
Grandmothers across the islands were extra busy Sunday evening weaving leis and floral necklaces needed for the observation of culture week starting the next day.
Manit Week offered students the opportunity to showcase local fashion trends while learning the history of the Marshallese culture. Specific days called for specific displays of local handicrafts, hats, jewelry, colors of the flag and local food.
The Journal visited all the schools in the DUD area to showcase some of the cultural fashion accessories.
The Manit Week activities kicked off with the Urok bottom fishing tournament the past Saturday where students competed for their respective schools. The highlight of the tournament was 11-year old Nalia Aliven from Majuro Cooperative School. The sixth grader reeled in the biggest fish in the entire tournament — a 16 pound red snapper.
Earlier in the week, the coordinating committee said no women are to participate in the fishing tournament, adding the role of women was purely support. The decision was met with heated arguments on social media after being exposed. The last minute decision to include girls in the competition came a day before the tournament.
The Manit Week also featured student activities at the Alele Museum area with the Battle of the Bands and dance performances as the main events. Bands were told to showcase originality in their music with special emphasis’ on the culture.