location: Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i
click any image to enlarge
Kamehameha Day, June 11, was proclaimed by Kamehameha V on December 22, 1871, as a day to honor his grandfather, Kamehameha I, and was first observed on June 11, 1872. Every year the holiday is marked with parades, concerts, and festivals across the islands.
Special events like these that authentically showcase the people, place and culture of Hawai’i bring the community together and perpetuates the values that make Hawai’i unique among nations.
A highlight of the Kamehameha Parade are the Pa’u equestrian units which represent each of the eight Hawaiian Islands and the colors and flora that are associated with that particular island. The Pa’u Riders have been a regular feature of the Kamehameha Parades since 1906.
After the parade, Kailua-Kona hosts a Hoʻolauleʻa, a celebration with traditional crafts, food and music.
Spread the Aloha, Dohn
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Reblogged this on Dolphin.
A beautiful parade. I love the photos of the people in their gorgeous costumes with all the flowers and the horses too!
Hawai’i has had and continues to have a strong horse culture. Love for the land (the aina) is expressed by the use of flora for everything decorative.
I like this
Thank you, It was a great morning
Looks very similar to our romerias in our Spanish pueblo, although technically it is vaguely religious, it is really just a day’s big party. Horses, decorated carts, traditional Spanish dress, food, drink, music and dancing. Yours looks very colourful, as is ours.
Bringing the community together with pageantry has many social benefits, including reinforcing lessons of traditional values. Unfortunately it is becoming a thing of the past in many areas. The substitute of commercial ‘shows’ and large sporting events is no comparison. I looked up Romerias and am reminded of living in New Mexico which has strong Spanish roots and many religious processions. Thanks for your comment. Dohn.