Merrie Monarch Festival
"Hula is the language of the heart, and therefore the heartbeat of the Hawaiian people."
David Kalakaua,
King of Hawaii, 1874 to 1891
Most of us who travel frequently to Hawaii are enthralled with the culture, the people, the music and dance that are unique to the islands. Did you know that there is a week long annual event that commemorates the true history and culture of the ancient Hawaiians that takes place in Hilo beginning on Easter Sunday?
The Merrie Monarch Festival was created in 1964 with the intention of allowing the perpetuation, preservation, and promotion of the art of hula and the Hawaiian culture through education. The festival maintains a strict standard of authenticity and is considered the world's premier forum for people of all ages to display their skills and knowledge of the art of ancient and modern hula. The week-long festival includes art exhibits, craft fairs, demonstrations, performances, and a parade that emphasizes the cultures of Hawaii, and culminates with a three-day hula competition that has received worldwide recognition for its historic and cultural significance.
You might ask, why the name Merrie Monarch? The name Merrie Monarch was derived from the last King of Hawaii, David Kalakaua, who was elected King in 1874 and who ruled for seventeen years. During this time Hawaiian culture was almost extinct - including Hawaiian myths and legends as well as hula. In fact, public hula performances were forbidden as was the rhythmic chanting which combined with dance was the true language of Hawaiians. When King Kalakaua was coronated on the grounds of the Iolani Palace (which you can visit on Oahu), the coronation remained Hawaiian at heart with proud and graceful hula dancers performing publicly once again. During his reign there was a proud resurgence in Hawaiian culture, which was oppressed at this time by the missionaries.
Because of King Kalakaua's enthusiastic patronage of music and dance, Kalakaua earned a special nickname - "Merrie Monarch." One of his most notable works is Hawaii's national anthem, which is now the state song, "Hawaii Ponoi" as well as the "Legends and Myths of Hawaii," which is still in print! His life was a mixture of Hawaiian and Western cultures and he had hoped that one day Hawaiians would be proud of their heritage and would regain power of their land. Each year Hawaii, and the world - celebrates the memory of the 'Merrie Monarch' at the prestigious hula competition that bears his name.
Because of the popularity of this event you must, without a doubt, make reservations one year in advance. This is the premier Hula event in Hawaii and people come from all over the world to witness the awesome wonder of the chanters and dancers that have dedicated their life to the art of hula and chanting.
