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Hawaii > Annual events > The Merrie Monarch Festival
The Merrie Monarch Festival
Hula has always played an important part in Hawaiian culture. It is the soul of Hawaii expressed in motion. The dance of hula is very sensual. During the 19th century it was actually forbidden, since the missionaries considered it immoral.
Fortunately, some of Hawaii's monarchs understood that hula was integral to a Hawaiian culture. King David Kalakaua invited dancers from around the islands to perform at his coronation in 1883.
Contemporary Hawaiians are trying to preserve the ancient traditions. Many hula festivals are held to promote the art of hula. The Merrie Monarch Festival, honoring the legacy of King David Kalakaua is one of the most popular. The festival is the most prestigious cultural events on Hawaii. People from many countries come to Hawaii to witness the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival.
The Merrie Monarch Hula Festival is held each year in Hilo (Big Island), at the spacious Edith Kanaka'ole Stadium during the first week following Easter Sunday. For hula lovers, the festival is the biggest event of the year. The festival longs one week. Dancers compete in various classes of ancient and modern dance styles.
But the Merrie Monarch Festival is not only a dance festival. It also includes art exhibits, craft fairs, demonstrations, and performances. The purpose of the Merrie Monarch Festival is the perpetuation, preservation, and promotion of the Hawaiian culture.