HILO, Hawaii - The University of Hawaii at Hilo Student Athlete Advisory Committee joined over 100 groups in participating in the 53rd Annaul Merrie Monarch Parade in downtown Hilo this morning.
The hour-long march took the group through downtown Hilo and back down Kamehameha Ave. to the King Kamehameha statue.
Along with various state, county and community organizations, Pa'u riders and royal courts were 10 high school bands including bands from Wisconsin, Michigan, Texas and Calif.
ABOUT THE FESTIVALÂ Â
The festival honors the legacy of King David Kalakaua, nicknamed the "Merrie Monarch" for his love of the arts, especially music and dance. King Kalakaua was also a supporter of the revival of oli and hula, which were used by Hawaiians to share and express everything from mythology and history to religion, but were discouraged by missionaries. The Merrie Monarch Festival began in 1963 to perpetuate, promote and preserve the Hawaiian culture, but its most popular draw—expressive and graceful competitive hula events—was included in 1971.
