The 2026 Hiri Moale Festival has brought together communities from Gulf and Central provinces in a vibrant celebration of culture, identity and the historical Hiri trade at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in Port Moresby today.

The cultural celebrations featured traditional dancing, sing-sing and string band performances, with close to 50 groups from Gulf Province and Motu-Koita villages taking part.

The performances provided a colorful display of the cultural traditions shared by the two regions, highlighting the historical connections between the Gulf and Motu-Koita people through the iconic Hiri trade.

Motu-Koita Assembly Chairman – Mr. Russell Simon Wavik became emotional as he spoke about his vision of seeing Gulf and Motu-Koita communities come together as one to celebrate their identity and cultural heritage.

Mr. Wavik said the festival was an opportunity for the people of Gulf and Motu-Koita to proudly showcase their traditions and tell the stories of their ancestors through cultural performances.

He said the Hiri trade was an important part of the history that united their ancestors, and that its story must continue to be passed through cultural celebrations.

“This is what I wanted to see. Our people from Gulf and Motu-Koita coming together as one to celebrate our identity and cultural heritage,” Mr. Wavik said.

He said one of the key aims of the cultural celebrations was to pass traditional knowledge and history on to younger generations so they could learn, appreciate and protect their rich cultural heritage.

Mr. Wavik particularly highlighted the importance of teaching young people about the Hiri trade and the strong historical relationship it created between the people of the Gulf and Motu-Koitabu communities.

He thanked all individuals, communities, cultural groups, organizers, sponsors, and partners who contributed to making the 2026 Hiri Moale Festival possible.

Mr. Wavik said he was looking forward to the remaining days of the festival, which will culminate in the main celebrations on Sunday, September 13.

The final day will feature the highly anticipated arrival of the Lagatoi vessel, representing the historic Hiri voyages, followed by the crowning of the 2026 Hiri Hanenamo Queen.

The festival continues to provide an important platform for celebrating and preserving the cultural heritage of the Motu-Koitabu and Gulf people, while giving younger generations an opportunity to witness and learn about the traditions and history of their ancestors.