Merrie Monarch Festival 2015
Festival of Tradition
The Merrie Monarch Festival is a hula competition focused on preserving, perpetuating, and promoting the art of hula and the Hawaiian culture through education. Merrie Monarch was first organized in 1963 by the State of Hawaii. Which means that this year marks the 50th Anniversary. A huge, week long festival that involves art exhibits, craft fairs, a parade, and of course hula performances. Believe it or not, Merrie Monarch brings hundreds of people from all over the world, to Hilo, to compete in the hula competition.
Furthermore, hula is a beautiful dance that incorporates local legends and chants that connects people to the aina (land). Along with learning the dance and the chants, hula performers hand pick every piece of vegetation for their lei’s, making a stronger connection to the land. More so, our vibrant red ohia lehua blossom. This flower is tied to many Hawaiian myths and is said to rain when the flower is picked.
Everyone who lives on the Island of Hawaii knows that March and April tend to be the rainiest months and we all believe it’s from this festival. However, don’t let the weather stop you from enjoying this event. If you are traveling on the big island during festival time, make sure to stop in Hilo and see what the fuss is about. For more information visit Merrie Monarch Festival and a schedule of events.