Support the Merrie Monarch Festival, the most prestigious hula event in the world, as it competes to be voted one of the best cultural festivals in the United States. Show your love for Hawaiian art, music, crafts, food, and community by casting your vote today.
The Merrie Monarch Festival: A Celebration of Hawaiian Culture
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The Merrie Monarch Festival, an annual cultural extravaganza in Hawaii, is currently in the running to be voted as one of the 10 best cultural festivals in the United States. This prestigious event showcases everything Hawaiian, including art, music, crafts, food, community, and most importantly, hula. Known as the most prestigious hula event in the world, the festival attracts thousands of people from all over the globe to the Big Island community of Hilo each year.
( Credit to: Bigislandnow )
The festival's significance lies in its dedication to preserving, perpetuating, and promoting the art of hula and Hawaiian culture. Hula, a dance developed by the original Polynesian settlers of the islands, served as a means for ancient Hawaiians to express and chronicle their culture. It has remained unchanged throughout the years, untouched by the dance traditions of other ethnic groups that have settled in Hawaii.
The Merrie Monarch Festival pays homage to King David Kalākaua, known as the "Merrie Monarch" due to his fun-loving and flamboyant nature. King Kalākaua was a patron of the arts, particularly dance and music, and played a significant role in inspiring the preservation of Hawaiian traditions, language, and arts.
The History and Significance of the Merrie Monarch Festival
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The festival's origins date back to 1963 when it was established for economic development purposes following a devastating tsunami in Hilo. Under the leadership of Luana Kawelu's mother, Dottie Thompson, who took over as executive director in 1968, the festival shifted its focus to cultural aspects, with hula becoming the main highlight. Hula holds a spiritual significance for the people of Hawaii, making it more than just a dance but a deep cultural expression.
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The dedication of the kumu and their hālau (groups) to the culture of hula is evident on the Merrie Monarch stage. The kumu invest tremendous time and love into their performances, showcasing the depth of Hawaiian culture and the dancers' passion. This commitment is one of the reasons why the festival has gained popularity worldwide.
The Merrie Monarch Festival is a living testament to the resilience and pride of the Hawaiian people and their culture. Its impact extends beyond the boundaries of the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium, resonating throughout the community of Hilo. The festival's spirit is felt daily, and the privilege of hosting it is an honor for the people of Hawaii.
Vote for the Merrie Monarch Festival: Celebrating Hawaiian Culture
Support the Merrie Monarch Festival, the most prestigious hula event in the world, as it competes to be voted one of the best cultural festivals in the United States. Show your love for Hawaiian art, music, crafts, food, and community by casting your vote today.
The festival, now in its 61st year, has gained international recognition, with hundreds of thousands of people in nearly 150 countries and over 6,000 cities tuning in to witness the weeklong celebration. Additionally, hula dancers, kumu (teachers), and fans travel from Hawaii and beyond to attend the festival in person.
Currently, the Merrie Monarch Festival is leading the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards online vote for Best Cultural Festival. Voting will continue until March 18, with the top 10 winners being announced on March 27. Festival President Luana Kawelu expressed her gratitude for the nomination and emphasized the honor of being recognized.
Experience the Cultural Richness of the Merrie Monarch Festival
The 61st annual Merrie Monarch Festival will take place from March 31 to April 6, and the organizers are eagerly looking forward to another exciting year of cultural celebration.
The festival's dedication to preserving and promoting Hawaiian culture is evident in every aspect. From the mesmerizing hula performances to the display of traditional arts, crafts, and music, attendees are immersed in the rich heritage of the islands.
As you explore the festival grounds in Hilo, you'll be captivated by the vibrant colors of the costumes, the rhythmic sounds of traditional Hawaiian music, and the mouthwatering aromas of local delicacies. From intricately woven leis to masterpieces of Hawaiian artwork, the festival showcases the talent and creativity of the local community.
Don't miss the opportunity to witness the hula competitions, where skilled dancers, known as kumu, and their hālau, or groups, showcase their passion and dedication. The performances are a true testament to the beauty and grace of hula, leaving spectators in awe.
Preserving the Legacy of Hula and Hawaiian Culture
Hula, as an art form, is deeply rooted in the history and traditions of Hawaii. The Merrie Monarch Festival plays a vital role in preserving and perpetuating this cultural legacy.
Through the festival, the importance of hula as a spiritual and cultural expression is emphasized. The dedication of the kumu and their hālau to the art of hula is evident in every movement, every chant, and every costume.
The Merrie Monarch Festival serves as a platform for the passing down of knowledge and traditions from one generation to the next. It is a celebration of the resilience, pride, and unity of the Hawaiian people.
Cast Your Vote and Support the Merrie Monarch Festival
To cast your vote for the Merrie Monarch Festival, visit the USA Today 10Best website. Show your support and help celebrate the language of the heart!
The Merrie Monarch Festival is currently leading the vote for Best Cultural Festival, but other notable festivals, such as the Aloha Festivals, are also nominated and deserving of recognition. The final top 10 winners will be announced on March 27.
Join the thousands of people from around the world who have been captivated by the beauty and cultural richness of the Merrie Monarch Festival. Whether you attend in person or tune in to the weeklong celebration, you'll be immersed in the spirit of aloha and the vibrant traditions of Hawaii.