Hiri Lagatoi launched

With the 2025 Hiri Moale Festival set to commence tomorrow, the iconic Hiri Lagatoi which is one of the main high lights of the festival was launched this morning at Lealea village in the Hiri Koiari District.

The lagatoi named Kevau Bada will now set sail for its official journey and will arrive at Ela Beach on Sunday for the closing ceremony of the Hiri Moale Festival.

The lagatoi is a traditional sailing vessel that was used by the Motuans of coastal Port Moresby.

It was used for the great Hiri Expeditions, were men from the Motuan villages would use the lagatoi to travel up west to the Gulf Province to trade their clay pots and fish for sago and other food items.

Motu Koita Assembly Manager Mari Kila thanked the people of LeaLea for the construction of the 2025 Hiri Lagatoi - the Kevau Bada

Unlike the past lagatois that were constructed, this one will be preserved at the Port Moresby Nature Park as a tourist attractions.