What is the Merrie Monarch Festival?
The Merrie Monarch Festival is a week-long cultural festival that takes place annually in Hilo, Hawaii during the week after Easter. It honors King David Kalākaua, who was called the "Merrie Monarch" for his patronage of the arts and is credited with restoring many Hawaiian cultural traditions during his reign, including the hula.
What is Merrie Monarch hula?
The term “Merrie Monarch” was the nickname of Hawaii’s last king, King David Kalakaua. He was a fierce supporter of the arts and he is the namesake of this hula festival.
Who won the 2019 Merrie Monarch Festival in Hawaii?
Hula Hālau O Kamuela under the direction of kumu hula Kauʻi Kamanaʻo and Kunewa Mook, overall winners of the 2019 Merrie Monarch Festival The Merrie Monarch Festival is a week-long cultural festival that takes place annually in Hilo, Hawaii during the week after Easter.
Why was King Kalakaua called Merrie Monarch?
He was also a strong supporter of the hula, a traditional form of dance. Many of these cultural practices "had been suppressed for many years under missionary teachings.". The festival is named after Kalākaua's nickname “Merrie Monarch” because he was known to always be happy, fun, and loving towards his people.
Why is it called Merrie Monarch?
It honors King David Kalākaua, who was called the "Merrie Monarch" for his patronage of the arts and is credited with restoring many Hawaiian cultural traditions during his reign, including the hula.
Who is Merrie Monarch named after?
King David La'amea KalākauaThe Merrie Monarch Festival is dedicated to the memory of King David La'amea Kalākaua, known as the “Merrie Monarch” for his flamboyant and fun-loving ways. Kalākaua was elected king of the Hawaiian Nation in 1874, and reigned until his passing in 1891. He was a patron of the arts, especially music and dance.
Is there an age limit for Merrie Monarch?
The Merrie Monarch Festival is the focal point and catalyst that supports and draws together an extensive network of hālau hula, kumu hula, researchers, professors of Hawaiian studies and students of all ages who are committed to the perpetuation and advancement of Hawaiian history and culture.
What is Merrie Monarch week?
Our week-long festival features an internationally acclaimed hula competition, an invitational Hawaiian arts fair, hula shows, and a grand parade through Hilo town.
How do you pronounce King Kalakaua?
Therefore, the King's name would be pronounced, “kah-lah-kah-oo-ah”. However, most people now combine the “a” with “u” and pronounce it as “ow” so the most common pronunciation today is “kah-lah-cow-ah”. I prefer the first version. King David Kalakaua was well educated.
Will there be Merrie Monarch 2022?
APRIL 18th-23rd, 2022 We are pleased to be moving toward our regular presentation of the annual Merrie Monarch Festival for 2022, however, we are not completely back to business as usual.
What should I wear to Merrie Monarch?
Monochromatic outfit, sleeve and leg tattoos. Warm prints, gold bracelets and papale lauhala. A mustard hat. All about the accessories (and a fashion-forward cane).
Who won Merrie Monarch 2022?
Kauaʻi's Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leinā'ala, under the direction of Kumu Hula Leināʻala Pavao Jardin took the overall title at the 59th Annual Merrie Monarch Festival, in Hilo Hawaiʻi. The hālau swept awards in the wahine division, winning first place honors in both the wahine kahiko and wahine 'auana divisions.
Where was the first Merrie Monarch?
History of a Hula Festival The first Merrie Monarch was held in 1964 with Helene Hale, then executive officer of Hawaii, at the reigns as a way for the island to drive tourism after the sugar industry collapsed.
When was the first Merrie Monarch?
1964In 1964 the work of this committee resulted in the first Merrie Monarch Festival, which included events such as a King Kalākaua beard look-alike contest, a barbershop quartet contest, a relay race, a re-creation of King Kalākaua's coronation, and a Holokū Ball.
Where did hula dancing come from?
The Big Island, Oahu, Kauai and Molokai all claim to be the birthplace of hula. The next issue is who first performed it. Some say Hopoe, a companion of the goddess Hi'iaka, was the first dancer. Others believe it was Kapo'ulakina'u (Kapo), the goddess of fertility who first danced the hula.
What time is the Merrie Monarch 2022?
Saturday, April 23nd, 2022 Time: 12:00 p.m.
When was the Merrie Monarch Festival?
year’s Merrie Monarch Festival. The Merrie Monarch Festival was founded in 1963, under the leadership of cofounders Dottie Thompson and George Naope to honor King David Kalakaua, Hawaii’s last reigning king, whose storied legacy includes the restoration of hula after Christian missionaries kaua fought to revive the sacred dance, ...
How many times has Kumu Hula participated in the Merrie Monarch Festival?
the direction of kumu hula ‘Iliahi and Haunani Paredes. Kumu hula (hula teacher) Iliahi Paredes has participated in the Merrie Monarch Festival 11 times—six as an olapa (dancer) of the late kumu hula O’Brian Eselu, and five as an instructor of hula school Halau Kekuaokalaaualailiahi, alongside his wife, kumu hula Haunani Paredes.
When was Merrie and Bright published?
This article, “Merrie and Bright,” was originally published in the March/April 2016 issue of HAWAIʻI Magazine.
What is Kumu Hula?
Kumu hula (hula teachers) teach their dancers the art of hula, the meaning of Hawaiian chants and songs, the nuances of Hawaiian language, the craft of Hawaiian clothing and implements, and the history of the Hawaiian people. In this way knowledge is gained about the people of old, including our aliʻi (chiefs) and gods.
What is the purpose of the Merrie Monarch Festival?
The central purpose of the Festival is the perpetuation, preservation, and promotion of the art of hula and the Hawaiian culture.
Where is the Merrie Monarch Festival held?
THE MERRIE MONARCH FESTIVAL. The Merrie Monarch Festival is a week-long cultural event held in Hilo, Hawaiʻi each spring, featuring Hawaiian culture and a premier hula competition. The Festival is a domestic non-profit organization registered with the State of Hawaiʻi Department of commerce and Consumer Affairs.
What do Hawaiian chants tell us?
The messages conveyed in our chants, songs and dances tell of our relationship with nature — the animals, plants, elements, land, sea, and active volcanoes.
How to promote Hawaiian culture?
1) Perpetuating the traditional culture of the Hawaiian people; 2) Developing and augmenting a living knowledge of Hawaiian arts and crafts through workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions and performances of the highest quality and authenticity ; 3) Reaching individuals who might not otherwise have the opportunity to participate in the festival through live broadcasts and social media; and, 4) Enriching the future lives of all of Hawaiʻi’s children.
What is the Merrie Monarch?
The Merrie Monarch is a continuation of what King Laʻamea Kalākaua started so long ago. It brings together the people from all islands to share history and stories and be proud of who they are as a people. Photo credit: Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau (IHVB) / Lehua Waipa AhNee.
Why do you have to request tickets for Merrie Monarch Festival?
Because of the prestige and honor that goes with being presented at the Merrie Monarch Festival you have to request your tickets well in advance.
What happened when the Christians came to Hawaii?
When the Christians came to Hawaii, they wouldn’t let the Hawaiians celebrate their traditions or their lifestyle. Hula and other practices were banished and frowned upon.
What is a hula dance?
Hula is more than just a dance. It is the language of the heart that beats to the rhythm of the Pacific.
Where is the Merrie Monarch Festival?
Are you thinking about heading to the biggest hula festival in the world? Get all the best tips and tricks for planning the ultimate Merrie Monarch Festival trip on Hawaii’s Big Island. Scroll for all the info!
How to pay for tickets?
First, to pay for the tickets you need to get a money order or cashier’s check. Make sure that you have the self-address stamped envelope so they can mail you back the tickets. Or if by chance tickets have been sold out, you can get a refund.
How to get around Hilo?
There are several ways you can get around Hilo. Walking is always the best.
Charles II ran a hedonistic court, despite the early years of his reign being marred by the bubonic plague and Great Fire of London. He reigned from 1660-1685
Known as the ‘Merry Monarch’, Charles II’s reign came in direct contrast to the previous Puritan regime; his was an era of flamboyant fashions and courtly excess.
Key dates
1665 – An outbreak of bubonic plague wipes out 15 per cent of the English population
