MATSURI MEETS HAWAIIEnthralling Taiko drums sweetly humming, parade marchers with magical trinkets for the children, enchanting folk art and ethnic food tantalizing the taste buds are but a few of the attractions promised during Honolulu’s 20th Annual Pan-Pacific Festival – Matsuri in Hawaii – scheduled for this summer, June 11-13. Matsuri (meaning “festival”) in Hawaii began in 1980 as a cultural exchange between Japan and Hawaii, and served as a cultural goodwill ambassador, introducing both Hawaii’s people and its extensive visitors to the richness of Japanese culture. The original goal was to teach Hawaiians about traditional Japanese culture, including their music, crafts, traditions and foods, while including participating artists and audiences. In 1996, the festival expanded to include more cultures of the Pacific Rim, changing the event’s name to the Pan-Pacific Festival – Matsuri in Hawaii. In 1998, the festival had continued to grow, spurring the King Kamehameha Celebration Commision to sign an agreement to hold both festivals on the same weekend in June. The summer celebration includes numerous activities, The Pan-Pacific Ho’olaule’a, the Bon Dance, (Bon Odori Taikai) The Pan-Pacific Festival Parade, a traditional arts and crafts fair, outdoor performances and various sporting tournaments. On June 11, The Pan-Pacific Ho’olaule’a (meaning “street party”)on Waikiki’s famous Kalakaua Avenue, becomes a pedestrian mall. Hawaiian and Japanese entertainers perform on five different stages along with glittering street performers, authentic ethnic food booths and numerous artisan craft booths.
A Traditional Arts and Crafts Fair (Nihon Bunka No Tsudoi), located at the Ala Moana Shopping Center, is open June 11-13 and is free to everyone. Enjoy a wide display of folk art, ranging from ribbon arts to flower arranging. Other artistic endeavors include The Japanese Traditional Performing Arts Festival (Dento Geino) on June 12 at the Hawaii Theater Center. It’s a mini-festival that showcases several well-known professional Japanese performing artists, ranging from modern celebrities to traditional entertainers. It’s always a surprise to see what will be the featured entertainment – ranging from a snake dance to an intense drum performance. Another performance oriented event scheduled for the festival is the Japanese Outdoor Performances (Omatsuri Hiroba), which will also occur at the Ala Moana Shopping Center Stage, June 11-13. Talented amateur performers recreate street entertainment from Old Japan’s villages, in a free, casual outdoor setting. The Japanese Folk Song and Dance Fair (Minyo Show) is yet another opportunity for audiences to enjoy the traditional cultural heritage of the Japanese folk song (minyo) and dance (minbu) with others at the Hawaii Theater Center on June 13. And for all of you aspiring rock stars, a Karaoke Festival will be happening on June 12 at Rumours – Ala Moana Hotel. This uniquely Japanese nightclub activity has managed to grow in international proportions. There are many sporting events scheduled for the event, including soccer, gateball, ground golf and baseball tournaments, which include anyone interested in learning something “new” about their sport. The Hawaiian Beach-Soccer Tournament from June 12-13, will be the spot for five mini soccer games, with five-person teams, from Hawaii and Japan, playing in round-robin matches. The Gateball Tournament, which will be at Ala Moana Park on June 12-13, is a free chance to play gateball or croquet, which is a major recreational and competitive sport in Japan. It has even reached international tournament status, with Japanese players competing by invitation. The Ground Golf Open begins on June 11 at Ala Moena Park and offers a variation of the sport, playing two rounds of eight holes each on flat grass. The total score determines the winners. Finally, The Senior Baseball Tournament on June 11 will be happening, with older adults showing off their baseball skills and enjoying the beautiful Hawaiian air. Whatever your language or cultural inclination, The Pan-Pacific Festival – Matsuri in Hawaii is sure to satisfy your dancing, eating and relaxing desires in breathtaking Hawaii. For further information: (808) 926-8177 courtesy of Lynne Wikoff , Wordsmith Edited by Autumn Rhea |
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The Bon Dance (Bon Odori Taikai) begins on June 12 with brilliantly-costumed members of the bon dance clubs who celebrate the summer night with dancing under the night skies and the customary drum tower (“yagura”). This Japanese tradition summer evening activity honors ancestors, by performing specialized dances under the stars while swaying lanterns illuminate the skies. Everyone is invited to this free-spirited event – no experience necessary! The dance is located at Kapiolani Park at the Diamond Head end of Waikiki.
On June 13, The Pan-Pacific Festival Parade begins along the Kalakaua Avenue from Fort DeRussy to Kapiolani Park, with a spectacular exhibition of colorful performers, beating of Taiko drum groups and marching bands and of course, lots of crowd-watching excitement.