Ask someone what comes to mind when they think of Hawaii and odds are they will mention hula. Originally a society with no written language, the Hawaiians used hula with its dance, chants and songs as a primary means by which to communicate and teach legends, stories of war and of love. The hula paid homage to their gods through whom everything is connected. It was for this very fact though that hula almost disappeared when missionaries banned it due to the thought that the hula was sacrilegious. It was King David Kalakaua also known as the "Merrie Monarch" for his love of entertainment that revived hula and opened the once male-only dance to women in 1883 at his coronation ceremony.
Today, hula and the "Merrie Monarch" are honored in the world’s most prestigious hula competition, the Merrie Monarch Festival held once yearly in Hilo, Hawaii. 2010 marks the 47th year of the festival and the week of April 4 - 10 will be filled with events culminating with the 3-day competition from Thursday, April 8 with halau (groups) participating from around the world.
While the Merrie Monarch Festival is by far the most recognized hula competition in the world, there are other numerous hula events, concerts and workshops that take place throughout Hawaii on all islands year-round. Why not attend one of these events the next time you visit Hawaii?
For more information on the Merrie Monarch Festival, please visit: www.merriemonarchfestival.org and for a listing of other hula events throughout the year, please visit:http://calendar.gohawaii.com
CONTACT ME!!
christy@leo-travel.com
312-339-2208
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