World Hula Week (Merrie Monarch festival): History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about World Hula Week (Merrie Monarch festival) (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. World Hula Week (Merrie Monarch festival) is celebrated on April 9th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of World Hula Week (Merrie Monarch festival), activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as captivating facts you ought to know about World Hula Week (Merrie Monarch festival).

📅 What day is World Hula Week (Merrie Monarch festival) 2024?

In 2024, World Hula Week (Merrie Monarch festival) is on Sunday, April 9th. It is the 2nd Sunday in April; in 2024, it is Tuesday. There are until the next observance. You also can see all intriguing details and facts about April 9, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

World Hula Week, also known as the Merrie Monarch Festival, is a yearly event that lasts for a week, starting on Easter Sunday and running from April 9 to 15 this year. It pays tribute to King David Kalkaua, who ruled the Hawaiian Nation between 1874 and 1891. This celebration is filled with parades, Hawaiian art exhibitions, performances, and a three-night hula competition. Its main objective is to safeguard and honor the rich culture and traditions of Hawaii. Keep reading to learn more about this remarkable festival.

📜 World Hula Week (Merrie Monarch festival) History

The Festival, which was initially planned for the following year, had a lineup of various events including a relay race, a barbershop quartet, a King Kalkaua beard lookalike contest, a replica of King Kalkaua’s coronation, and a Holoku Ball. However, between 1968 and 1970, support and enthusiasm for the festival declined. This changed in 1971 when Dottie Thompson, the festival’s Executive Director, introduced the Miss Hula competition, which revived interest in the festival. In 1976, the competition was expanded to include men, further increasing the festival’s popularity.

This resurgence of interest in the festival coincided with the Hawaiian Renaissance, a time when there was a renewed sense of cultural pride in Hawaiian traditions, language, arts, crafts, music, and voyaging. As a result, the festival steadily grew and eventually expanded to a full week of festivities. By 1981, the festival had become so popular that it needed a larger space. The solution came in the form of televising the event for the first time, allowing seniors who couldn’t attend in person to still enjoy the hula performances.

In 2013, the Festival celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. Although the founders’ original intention was to make money, the event has evolved into something much more significant, becoming an integral part of Hawaiian culture.

✅ World Hula Week (Merrie Monarch festival) Facts

🔖 His reign
He was crowned king of the Hawaiian Nation on February 12, 1874.

🔖 His beliefs
Kalkaua embraced the motto “Ho’oulu Lahui,” meaning “Increase the Nation,” when compelled by Western influence to question Hawaiian values. He tirelessly advocated for a renewed sense of Hawaiian pride and sought to revitalize all aspects of Hawaiian culture.

🔖 His birth
His birth is officially documented as having occurred on November 16, 1836.

👍 Why Is World Hula Week (Merrie Monarch festival) Important

The Merrie Monarch Festival is a testimony to the Hawaiians’ lovely culture. This is an opportunity for them to enjoy and appreciate their wonderful ancestry.

The Merrie Monarch Festival generates tourism and all of its associated advantages. Every year, tickets to the festival sell out on the same day they go on sale. This is extremely advantageous to the Hawaiian economy.

The festival commemorates King Kalkaua, the Merrie Monarch himself. It is observed in the spirit of cultural pride pushed for by King Kalkaua.

🙂 How To Observe World Hula Week (Merrie Monarch festival)

⚡ Visit Hawaii

⚡ Learn the hula
Wouldn’t it be enjoyable to experience the joy of celebrating like a Hawaiian? You could learn the hula, a beautiful Polynesian dance that involves graceful movements and meaningful gestures.

⚡ Study King Kalākaua
Have you ever wanted to visit the lovely island of Hawaii? World Hula Week is the ideal time to go!

📅 When is World Hula Week (Merrie Monarch festival)?

Discover all 🔗 April holidays, including 🔗 Fun and other 🔗 Activities holidays.

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