The story
Unimwane Elders Maneaba Day in Tarawa/Multi-island
Unimwane, the senior men of I-Kiribati communities, once led village councils from the maneaba, and Kiribati still sets aside time to honour them, though sources disagree on whether this is a standalone Unimwane Day in mid-July or folded into the national Culture and Senior Citizens holiday. Expect maneaba gatherings, shared food, seating of honour for elders, and dance performed by younger generations, more a community observance than a ticketed visitor festival.
Unimwane are the senior men of an I-Kiribati community, and for centuries their councils met in the maneaba, the open-sided meeting house that anchors village life across the Gilbert Islands, to settle disputes and steer local affairs.