World Hula Week (Merrie Monarch festival)
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Swing into the vibrant culture of Hawaii during World Hula Week! Celebrate the legacy of King David Kalākaua in the Merrie Monarch Festival.
Get ready to sway to the rhythm of the islands and immerse yourself in a vibrant Hawaiian tradition during World Hula Week starting on March 31! This amazing event includes a series of activities that last all the way through Easter Sunday and the rest of the following week. Also well-known as the Merrie Monarch Festival, this annual celebration was first initiated in 1963 to perpetuate, preserve, and promote the art of hula and the Hawaiian culture. Named in honor of King David Kalākaua, known as the Merrie Monarch for his love of joyful elements of life, music, and dance, this event embodies his vision and the vibrant spirit of Hawaii itself. So get your best grass skirt ready and let's celebrate the rich history and cultural significance of hula!
During the week of the festival, many instructors offer online classes. Learn the basic steps of hula and feel the rhythm of the music. Feel the aloha spirit as you sway and twirl to the beats.
Invite friends and family to join you in an evening of hula dancing. Transform your backyard into a luau with some Hawaiian decor and tropical foods. Include a hula hoop contest for added fun.
Embrace Hawaiian culture by dressing in traditional outfits such as aloha shirts and muumuus. Don't forget your lei and maybe even a grass skirt. Bonus points for sandals!
Stream it live or watch recordings of previous festivals online. Experience the performances, elaborate costumes, and lush hula pageantry from the comfort of your home.
Prepare traditional Hawaiian cuisine to enjoy while celebrating. Meals could include staples like laulau (pork wrapped in taro leaves), poke (raw fish salad), and haupia (coconut pudding). Don't forget a refreshing glass of POG (passion, orange, guava) juice to round out the meal.
World Hula Week is a unique opportunity for people all over the world to gain a deeper understanding of Hawaii's rich cultural heritage and the expressive art of hula. It provides a platform for us to engage with and appreciate the customs and traditions of the beautiful islands.
Whether you're watching the Merrie Monarch Festival online, learning hula dance steps via tutorials, or cooking traditional Hawaiian dishes, the holiday encourages active participation. It’s not just about observing, it’s about immersing oneself in the culture and gaining enriching experiences and knowledge.
World Hula Week fosters the spirit of communal enjoyment. From organizing a hula dance party to dressing up in traditional Hawaiian attire, the holiday provides great opportunities for family and friends to come together, have fun and bond over shared activities that revolve around the vibrant Hawaiian culture.