Manit Day
Manit Day is a holiday observed in the Republic of Marshall Islands on the last Friday of September annually. Also known as Culture Day, this holiday celebrates the arts, history, and poetry of the islands. Many of the day’s celebrations are held either at the Library and National Archives or at the Alele Museum in the capital, Majuro.
It’s also a day when the residents of the islands set up their own booths and sell food, drinks, artwork, tools, and traditional crafts. Other events that happen on this day include traditional singing, dancing, and sporting events. It’s a day for all islanders and tourists to enjoy the many cultures of the Marshall Islands.
Observing Manit Day in the Marshall Islands
Because this holiday is not an official public holiday, banks, government agencies, and schools remain open. It’s also a working day for many people who live in the Marshall Islands. Even so, this holiday is still observed quite enthusiastically across the islands.
People set up booths and sell their crafts, or sell food and drinks to people attending cultural fairs on this day. There are also large events at the Alele Museum, Library, and National Archives. Many people dress up in traditional costumes and perform traditional songs and dances.
There are traditional events that are held on this day, including basket weaving and coconut husking. It’s also common for schools to put on special performances to entertain the general public. These can be dancing or storytelling performances.