The Merrie Monarch Festival, a prestigious hula event in Hawaii, is leading the vote for Best Cultural Festival in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. Discover the rich history and cultural significance of this annual extravaganza that showcases Hawaiian art, music, crafts, food, and hula.
The Merrie Monarch Festival: A Celebration of Hawaiian Culture
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The Merrie Monarch Festival, an annual cultural extravaganza in Hawaii, is currently in the running to be voted as one of the top 10 cultural festivals in the United States. This prestigious hula event showcases Hawaiian art, music, crafts, food, and of course, hula. With its rich history and cultural significance, the festival has gained worldwide recognition and attracts thousands of attendees each year. As of now, it is leading the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards online vote for Best Cultural Festival.
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Now in its 61st year, the Merrie Monarch Festival has become the most prestigious hula event in the world. It features three days of individual and group hula competitions at the Edith Kanakaʻole Multi-Purpose Stadium. Hula is a traditional dance form that allows the Hawaiian people to express and preserve their culture. It has played a crucial role in recording Hawaiian mythology, genealogy, history, and religion. The dance has remained true to its origins and has not been influenced by other dance traditions brought by different ethnic groups to the islands.
King David Kalākaua, the last king of Hawaii, referred to hula as the "language of the heart" and played a significant role in promoting and preserving Hawaiian traditions, language, and arts. The Merrie Monarch Festival pays homage to King Kalākaua and his dedication to the arts. What began in 1963 as an economic development initiative following a devastating tsunami in Hilo, the festival has now evolved into a platform to preserve, perpetuate, and promote the art of hula and Hawaiian culture.
The Merrie Monarch Festival: A Journey Through Hawaiian Traditions
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The Merrie Monarch Festival has a deep cultural significance and serves as a testament to the resilience and pride of the Hawaiian people and their culture. It is a celebration of Hawaiian traditions, language, arts, and crafts. The festival not only showcases the beauty of hula, but it also allows the Hawaiian people to share their "language of the heart" with the world.
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Under the leadership of Dottie Thompson, the festival's executive director in 1968, the focus shifted towards hula and cultural preservation. Hula holds a spiritual significance for the people of Hawaii, and the festival aims to preserve, perpetuate, and promote this art form. The dedication of the hula teachers and their groups is evident on the stage, as they bring the stories and traditions of their ancestors to life through their mesmerizing performances.
The Merrie Monarch Festival has garnered support and admiration from people worldwide. Many are proud to see Hawaiian culture being recognized and celebrated. The festival holds a special place in the hearts of the Hawaiian people and the community of Hilo, where it is held each year.
Vote for the Merrie Monarch Festival: Celebrating Hawaiian Culture
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The Merrie Monarch Festival has received a nomination for the Best Cultural Festival category in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. The top 10 winners will be announced on March 27, and voting is open until March 18. Currently, the Merrie Monarch Festival is leading the vote, but there are other notable contenders such as the Aloha Festivals, which is also nominated.
The recognition of the Merrie Monarch Festival as one of the best cultural festivals in the nation is a testament to the resilience and pride of the Hawaiian people and their culture. The festival has a deep cultural significance, and the dedication of the hula teachers and their groups is evident on the stage. The festival not only showcases the beauty of hula but also serves as a platform to share the language of the heart and promote Hawaiian traditions.
To cast your vote for the Merrie Monarch Festival as the Best Cultural Festival, visit the USA Today 10Best website. The festival is grateful for the recognition and encourages everyone to vote and help celebrate the language of the heart. The 61st annual Merrie Monarch Festival will take place from March 31 to April 6, and organizers are excited about the upcoming event.