HONOLULU'S 60 year-old Aloha Festivals is Hawai'i's largest festival and the only statewide celebration in the United States begins. What is known today as Aloha Festivals was created in 1946, as Aloha Week - a cultural celebration of Hawai'i's music, dance and history intended to preserve our unique traditions. A group of former Jaycees - known as the Jaycees Old-timers of Hawai'i - had the vision to create a public celebration to honor Hawai'i's cosmopolitan heritage, yet created a celebration which has itself become an island tradition.
Aloha Festivals has grown over the past 60 years to encompass 300 events on six islands spanning a two-month period. (For this reason, Aloha Week became Aloha Festivals in 1991.) Aloha Festivals has become a celebration of our Pacific, Asian and Western cultural influences, from the Japanese Bon Dance to the traditional hula. Nearly 30,000 volunteers labor together to stage the events, which are attended by nearly 1 million - a festival truly of the people of Hawai'i by the people of Hawai'i. The festivals are funded through the sale of Aloha Festivals ribbons, merchandise, and via corporate and private donations.
The Aloha Festivals 2006 theme, “Na Paniolo Nui O Hawai‘i – The Great Cowboys of Hawai‘i,” is a tribute to the life, music, spirit, and family of the Hawaiian cowboy, or paniolo. The theme, chosen carefully to embody the poignancy of the 60th anniversary, recognizes the powerful parallels that exist between ancient Hawaiian culture and the way of life of the paniolo.
Thurs, September 7, 2006
5:30p
Opening Ceremonies at ‘Iolani Palace Oahu
Opening Ceremonies at ‘Iolani Palace
Thursday, September 07, 2006 5:30pm
'Iolani Palace
This officially marks the beginning of the Aloha Festivals events on Oahu. Traditional hula and chants introduce our O'ahu Royal Court on the grounds of the beautiful 'Iolani Palace, for more information, call (808) 589-1771 or email: info@alohafestivals.com
HAWAIIAN CONCERT CALENDAR
HAWAIIAN MUSIC CONCERT FRAPPR
