## Merrie Monarch 2024 Schedule
The Merrie Monarch Festival is a week-long celebration of Hawaiian culture held every April in Hilo, Hawaii. The festival features a variety of events, including hula competitions, cultural demonstrations, and a parade.
The 2024 Merrie Monarch Festival will be held from April 8th to April 14th. The festival will kick off with a parade on April 8th, followed by a week of hula competitions and cultural demonstrations. The festival will culminate with a grand finale on April 14th.
The 2024 Merrie Monarch Festival will feature a variety of events, including:
## Merrie Monarch 2024 Schedule
The 2024 Merrie Monarch Festival will feature a variety of events, including:
- Hula competitions
- Cultural demonstrations
- Arts and crafts fair
- Food booths
- Parade
- Grand finale
- Workshops
- Lectures
The festival will be held from April 8th to April 14th in Hilo, Hawaii.
### Hula competitions
The Merrie Monarch Festival is renowned for its hula competitions, which are among the most prestigious in the world. Hula dancers from all over Hawaii and the mainland United States compete in a variety of categories, including:
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Kahiko (ancient hula)
Kahiko hula is a traditional form of hula that tells stories of Hawaiian history, culture, and mythology. Dancers wear traditional costumes and use natural materials, such as gourds, feathers, and leaves.
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ʻAuana (modern hula)
ʻAuana hula is a more modern form of hula that incorporates elements of Western dance and music. Dancers wear colorful costumes and use a variety of props, such as fans, scarves, and batons.
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Group hula
Group hula is performed by a group of dancers who move in unison. Group hula can be either kahiko or ʻauana.
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Solo hula
Solo hula is performed by a single dancer. Solo hula can be either kahiko or ʻauana.
The hula competitions are judged by a panel of experts who evaluate the dancers’ technique, artistry, and overall performance. The winners of the hula competitions are awarded trophies and prize money.
### Cultural demonstrations
In addition to the hula competitions, the Merrie Monarch Festival also features a variety of cultural demonstrations. These demonstrations provide an opportunity for visitors to learn about different aspects of Hawaiian culture, including:
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Lei making
Lei making is a traditional Hawaiian art form that involves stringing together flowers, leaves, and other natural materials to create beautiful necklaces and other adornments.
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Hula implements
Hula implements are used by hula dancers to enhance their performance. These implements include ipu (gourds), uliuli (feathers), and pa’u (skirts).
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Hawaiian language
The Hawaiian language is a vibrant and expressive language that is spoken by many people in Hawaii. Cultural demonstrations at the Merrie Monarch Festival provide an opportunity for visitors to learn about the Hawaiian language and its importance to Hawaiian culture.
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Hawaiian music
Hawaiian music is a unique and beautiful blend of traditional and modern influences. Cultural demonstrations at the Merrie Monarch Festival feature performances by Hawaiian musicians, including singers, dancers, and instrumentalists.
The cultural demonstrations at the Merrie Monarch Festival are a great way to learn about Hawaiian culture and its rich traditions.
### Arts and crafts fair
The Merrie Monarch Festival also features an arts and crafts fair, where visitors can purchase a variety of Hawaiian-themed items, including:
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Handmade crafts
Local artisans sell a variety of handcrafted items at the arts and crafts fair, including jewelry, clothing, home décor, and more.
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Traditional Hawaiian items
Visitors can also find a variety of traditional Hawaiian items at the arts and crafts fair, such as poi boards, kapa cloth, and ukulele.
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Hawaiian art
The arts and crafts fair also features a variety of Hawaiian art, including paintings, sculptures, and photography.
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Hula supplies
Hula enthusiasts can find a variety of hula supplies at the arts and crafts fair, such as hula skirts, ipu (gourds), and uliuli (feathers).
The arts and crafts fair is a great place to find unique and beautiful Hawaiian-themed gifts and souvenirs.
### Food booths
The Merrie Monarch Festival features a variety of food booths that offer a wide range of delicious Hawaiian and international cuisine. Visitors can enjoy everything from traditional Hawaiian dishes to plate lunches to gourmet treats.
Some of the most popular Hawaiian dishes available at the food booths include:
* **Kalua pig** is a traditional Hawaiian dish made from pork that is cooked in an underground oven.
* **Poi** is a staple Hawaiian food made from mashed taro root.
* **Lomi lomi salmon** is a Hawaiian dish made from salted salmon that is mixed with tomatoes, onions, and green onions.
* **Haupia** is a Hawaiian dessert made from coconut milk and sugar.
In addition to traditional Hawaiian dishes, the food booths at the Merrie Monarch Festival also offer a variety of plate lunches, which are a popular Hawaiian meal that typically includes rice, macaroni salad, and a choice of meat or fish.
For those looking for something a little more gourmet, the food booths also offer a variety of upscale Hawaiian dishes, such as:
* **Poke bowls** are a Hawaiian dish made from raw fish that is marinated in a variety of sauces.
* **Spam musubi** is a Hawaiian dish made from spam that is wrapped in rice and seaweed.
* **Loco moco** is a Hawaiian dish made from rice, hamburger patties, and brown gravy.
No matter what your taste, you’re sure to find something to your liking at the food booths at the Merrie Monarch Festival.
In addition to the food booths, the Merrie Monarch Festival also features a variety of other food-related events, such as cooking demonstrations and food competitions.
### Parade
The Merrie Monarch Festival Parade is one of the most popular events of the festival. The parade features a variety of floats, marching bands, and hula halau (hula schools). The parade route runs through the streets of Hilo and ends at the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium, where the hula competitions are held.
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Floats
The floats in the Merrie Monarch Festival Parade are often decorated with Hawaiian themes and feature elaborate costumes and props.
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Marching bands
The parade also features a variety of marching bands, both from Hawaii and the mainland United States.
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Hula halau
Hula halau from all over Hawaii participate in the parade, showcasing their unique styles of hula.
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Other participants
In addition to floats, marching bands, and hula halau, the parade also features a variety of other participants, such as community groups, businesses, and cultural organizations.
The Merrie Monarch Festival Parade is a colorful and lively event that celebrates Hawaiian culture and traditions.
### Grand finale
The Merrie Monarch Festival Grand Finale is the culminating event of the festival. The Grand Finale features the top-scoring hula halau (hula schools) from the hula competitions. These halau perform their award-winning dances in front of a packed audience at the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium.
The Grand Finale is a prestigious event, and the halau that perform in it are considered to be among the best in the world. The halau compete for a variety of awards, including the coveted Merrie Monarch Trophy, which is awarded to the halau that is judged to have the best overall performance.
In addition to the hula competitions, the Grand Finale also features a variety of other entertainment, such as:
* **Musical performances** by Hawaiian musicians
* **Cultural demonstrations** by Hawaiian cultural practitioners
* **A fireworks display**
The Grand Finale is a spectacular event that showcases the beauty and diversity of Hawaiian culture.
The Merrie Monarch Festival Grand Finale is a must-see event for anyone who is interested in Hawaiian culture and hula.
### Workshops
The Merrie Monarch Festival offers a variety of workshops that provide participants with the opportunity to learn about different aspects of Hawaiian culture. These workshops are taught by master Hawaiian cultural practitioners and cover a wide range of topics, including:
* **Hula**
* **Chanting**
* **Lei making**
* **Hawaiian language**
* **Hawaiian crafts**
The workshops are open to people of all ages and skill levels. Participants can choose from a variety of workshops that fit their interests and needs.
The hula workshops are taught by some of the most renowned hula masters in Hawaii. Participants can learn the basics of hula, as well as more advanced techniques. The workshops also provide participants with the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of hula.
The chanting workshops are taught by master Hawaiian chanters. Participants can learn the basics of Hawaiian chanting, as well as more advanced techniques. The workshops also provide participants with the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of Hawaiian chanting.
The lei making workshops are taught by master lei makers. Participants can learn how to make a variety of traditional Hawaiian leis. The workshops also provide participants with the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of lei making.
The Hawaiian language workshops are taught by native Hawaiian speakers. Participants can learn the basics of the Hawaiian language, as well as more advanced grammar and vocabulary. The workshops also provide participants with the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the Hawaiian language.
The Hawaiian crafts workshops are taught by master Hawaiian craftspeople. Participants can learn how to make a variety of traditional Hawaiian crafts, such as kapa cloth, poi boards, and ukulele. The workshops also provide participants with the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of Hawaiian crafts.
The workshops at the Merrie Monarch Festival are a great way to learn about Hawaiian culture and traditions from master Hawaiian cultural practitioners.
Participants can choose from a variety of workshops that fit their interests and needs.
### Lectures
The Merrie Monarch Festival also offers a variety of lectures that provide participants with the opportunity to learn about different aspects of Hawaiian culture and history. These lectures are given by experts in their fields and cover a wide range of topics, including:
* **Hawaiian history**
* **Hawaiian culture**
* **Hula**
* **Chanting**
* **Hawaiian language**
The lectures are open to the public and are free to attend. Participants can choose from a variety of lectures that fit their interests and needs.
The Hawaiian history lectures cover a variety of topics, such as the early history of Hawaii, the arrival of the Europeans, and the history of the Hawaiian monarchy.
The Hawaiian culture lectures cover a variety of topics, such as Hawaiian values, traditions, and customs.
The hula lectures cover a variety of topics, such as the history of hula, the different styles of hula, and the role of hula in Hawaiian culture.
The chanting lectures cover a variety of topics, such as the history of Hawaiian chanting, the different types of Hawaiian chants, and the role of chanting in Hawaiian culture.
The Hawaiian language lectures cover a variety of topics, such as the history of the Hawaiian language, the structure of the Hawaiian language, and the importance of the Hawaiian language to Hawaiian culture.
The lectures at the Merrie Monarch Festival are a great way to learn about Hawaiian culture and history from experts in their fields.
Participants can choose from a variety of lectures that fit their interests and needs.
### FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Merrie Monarch Festival 2024 Schedule:
Question 1: When is the Merrie Monarch Festival 2024?
Answer 1: The Merrie Monarch Festival 2024 will be held from April 8th to April 14th.
Question 2: Where is the Merrie Monarch Festival 2024 held?
Answer 2: The Merrie Monarch Festival 2024 will be held in Hilo, Hawaii.
Question 3: What are the dates of the hula competitions?
Answer 3: The hula competitions will be held from April 9th to April 12th.
Question 4: What are the dates of the cultural demonstrations?
Answer 4: The cultural demonstrations will be held throughout the festival, from April 8th to April 14th.
Question 5: What are the dates of the arts and crafts fair?
Answer 5: The arts and crafts fair will be held from April 8th to April 14th.
Question 6: What are the dates of the food booths?
Answer 6: The food booths will be open throughout the festival, from April 8th to April 14th.
Question 7: What are the dates of the parade?
Answer 7: The parade will be held on April 8th.
Question 8: What are the dates of the grand finale?
Answer 8: The grand finale will be held on April 14th.
Question 9: What are the dates of the workshops?
Answer 9: The workshops will be held throughout the festival, from April 8th to April 14th.
Question 10: What are the dates of the lectures?
Answer 10: The lectures will be held throughout the festival, from April 8th to April 14th.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ: We hope this information is helpful. Please visit the Merrie Monarch Festival website for more information.
Now that you know all about the Merrie Monarch Festival 2024 Schedule, here are a few tips to help you plan your trip:
### Tips
Here are a few tips to help you plan your trip to the Merrie Monarch Festival 2024:
Tip 1: Book your accommodations early. The Merrie Monarch Festival is a popular event, and accommodations in Hilo can book up quickly. We recommend booking your accommodations at least six months in advance.
Tip 2: Purchase your tickets in advance. Tickets for the hula competitions and the grand finale go on sale in January. We recommend purchasing your tickets as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Tip 3: Arrive in Hilo a few days before the festival starts. This will give you time to get your bearings and to explore the city before the festival gets into full swing.
Tip 4: Be prepared for crowds. The Merrie Monarch Festival is a popular event, and crowds can be large. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing, and be prepared to wait in line for events.
Tip 5: Bring plenty of sunscreen and water. The weather in Hilo can be hot and sunny, so be sure to protect yourself from the sun. Bring plenty of sunscreen and water to stay hydrated.
Closing Paragraph for Tips: We hope these tips help you plan your trip to the Merrie Monarch Festival 2024. We hope you have a wonderful time at the festival!
We hope this article has been helpful. Please visit the Merrie Monarch Festival website for more information.
### Conclusion
The Merrie Monarch Festival is a week-long celebration of Hawaiian culture held every April in Hilo, Hawaii. The festival features a variety of events, including hula competitions, cultural demonstrations, a parade, and a grand finale.
The Merrie Monarch Festival is a unique opportunity to experience Hawaiian culture up close and personal. The festival is a great place to learn about Hawaiian history, traditions, and art forms.
If you are interested in Hawaiian culture, we encourage you to attend the Merrie Monarch Festival 2024. The festival is a truly unforgettable experience.
Mahalo for reading!