Merrie Monarch Festival

Definition

The Merrie Monarch Festival is an annual cultural event held in Hilo, Hawaii, celebrating the Hawaiian tradition of hula and honoring King David Kalākaua, who was instrumental in the revival of Hawaiian culture. This week-long festival includes hula competitions, crafts fairs, and cultural workshops, showcasing the importance of language, arts, and traditions within Hawaiian culture.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The festival was established in 1964 as a way to celebrate and perpetuate Hawaiian culture through hula and music.
2. It draws participants and visitors from around the world, helping to promote awareness and appreciation for Hawaiian traditions.
3. Competitors come from various islands, showcasing different styles of hula and demonstrating their skills in both solo and group categories.
4. The festival also features an arts fair where local artisans display traditional Hawaiian crafts, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the islands.
5. Through its focus on hula and language, the Merrie Monarch Festival has played a significant role in the revitalization of Hawaiian culture and the ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i movement.

Review Questions

• How does the Merrie Monarch Festival contribute to the preservation of Hawaiian language and cultural practices?
  • The Merrie Monarch Festival plays a vital role in preserving Hawaiian language and cultural practices by providing a platform for hula performers to express stories through movement and chant. Participants often use ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i in their performances, which highlights the importance of language in maintaining cultural identity. Additionally, workshops during the festival promote learning about traditional practices, thus reinforcing the connection between language, hula, and Hawaiian heritage.
• In what ways does King David Kalākaua's legacy influence the celebrations at the Merrie Monarch Festival?
  • King David Kalākaua's legacy significantly influences the celebrations at the Merrie Monarch Festival as he is often referred to as the 'Merrie Monarch' due to his commitment to reviving Hawaiian culture. His efforts to promote hula, music, and traditional practices are honored through competitions that reflect his vision for cultural revival. The festival embodies his spirit by bringing together artists and audiences to celebrate their heritage, thus keeping his legacy alive.
• Evaluate the impact of the Merrie Monarch Festival on contemporary Hawaiian arts and its role in community identity.
  • The Merrie Monarch Festival has a profound impact on contemporary Hawaiian arts by fostering a greater appreciation for traditional practices while encouraging innovation within those forms. The festival serves as a gathering point for artists and performers who share their talents and stories with a broad audience. This celebration not only strengthens community identity by connecting people through shared cultural experiences but also highlights the ongoing relevance of Hawaiian arts in today's society.

Related terms

Hula: A traditional Hawaiian dance that combines movement, chant, and music to tell stories and express emotions, often serving as a vital means of preserving cultural narratives.

King David Kalākaua: The last reigning king of the Kingdom of Hawaii, known for his efforts to revive Hawaiian culture and traditions during his reign from 1874 to 1891.

‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i: The Hawaiian language, which plays a crucial role in cultural identity and is an essential component of the oral traditions and practices celebrated during events like the Merrie Monarch Festival.