One of my favorite past times is immersing myself in cultural celebrations. This walk took me down the road to the 46th Annual Ho'olaule'a Hawaiian Festival.
I've attending this Pacific islander celebration many times. This particular event centers around Hawaiian culture, but all sorts of Pacific islanders were there to enjoy the day.
The term Pacific Islander encompasses all island cultures in the southeast Pacific Ocean. Many of those locations share their origin story with the Polynesians who ventured into open waters, building a network in search of food, land and new places to explore. New Zealand was one of the last places they set foot on, about 700 years ago.
The people I've gotten to know share a deep appreciation of family and heritage. They have also been the most giving people I've ever come to know. It's not unexpected, given their origin story, but I find they also bring out the best in me. I like that.
Dance as a form of communication has served them well. There is such beauty in full body expressions of intent, care and purpose. That doesn't always mean it's pleasant. The Māori Haka comes to mind. The unaware may view it as a exhibition of bravado, which is certainly an element. Taken as it's entirety, it's pride, strength and unity, all expressed with chant and movement. It's a conveyance of "we welcome you, but are not intimidated".
Most islander dance presents a gentler greeting and storytelling. All day long, various dance groups performed. They comprised all ages, some common and some intentionally vast. Each celebrated what their ancestors taught them, passed on to the future.
The large crowd applauded all of them. There was competitiveness, but it came from taking pride in perfecting your presentation for the community. The culminating cross-section of peoples embraces and celebrated all of them, certain in the knowledge that everyone's stories would live on.
(All photos are property of the author)