Folks in Washington D.C. got a taste of the Aloha Spirit this weekend.
There was music, food, art and dancing at the fifth annual Hawaiian festival at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington D.C. About 8,000 people came out to celebrate both the contemporary and traditional Hawaiian culture.
"I think with the chants and the hula and the dance and the modern dance that we incorporated we wanted to let people know that we Hawaiians are still here we are very much alive and we are very involved in our community," said Kealoha Kelekolio, one of the performing artists.
Cooking demonstrations, kapa stamping and wood carving were some of the most popular activities for the day. But the crowd cheered loudest for the children of the Halau Ho’Omau.
"The event was amazing. I had so much fun everyone breaks in a move that is unbelievable," said visitor Hanna Sperlich.
"Gosh I am I just thrilled with the turn out today I think we have had almost seven to eight thousand people come through so far," said Eileen Maxwell, director of public affairs.
For now, Kelekolio is thrilled to see so many young Hawaiian artists perform.
"I want them to understand that at one point in our history we almost lost all of it.So, they have to be keepers of that culture they’ve got to be interested, stay interested and do what they can to advance the culture," Kelekolio said.
See the original article at: KHON2 Developing Stories
