Polynesian Festival 2012

                               My Cultural Experience

The cultural event that I decided to attend was the Polynesian festival.  There were a few activities that were available that helped express the culture of the Polynesians. What I found most interesting was the warrior dance. Other dances were performed that expressed some culture norms for Polynesians. There was also tribal tattooing. The types of food that were provided were traditional food for the Polynesian culture. I felt that the experience showed many qualities of the culture.

Personally, I had the most fun when I watched the warrior dance. The warrior dance is called a Haka. The Haka is a traditional ancestral war cry, dance or challenge from the Māori people of New Zealand. It is a posture dance performed by a group, with vigorous movements and stamping of the feet with rhythmically shouted accompaniment. The dance is also performed with a weapon called a taiaha. The weapons were originally used in battle. Today, the dance is performed to welcome visitors from other cultures to the native land.

Other events that were at the festival were hula dancing and tattooing. Hula was one of the many dances performed. Hula is a dance that puts songs and stories into a visual perspective. In the dance, there are also chants and instruments that help the story. Another event at the festival was tattooing. Though they were temporary airbrush tattoos, they portrayed the tribal tattoos that are used in the culture. I liked that there was a tattooing table because it seemed like many people who attended took interest in the tattoos.

Food was another big part of the festival. Rice was a big part of the entrée served with sweet and sour sauce.  Another food served with the entrée was macaroni salad. My favorite part of the dish was the meat. Pulled pork was served as a traditional meat that Hawaiians and Polynesians eat. The other type of meat that was served with the plate was barbequed chicken. I enjoyed the food that was made and thought it was satisfying and delicious.

I feel that the Polynesian festival was a good way to get other people to experience the culture. I had fun with the music and food and other activities. I liked learning about the types of dances that were traditional to the culture. For me, the best part was the warrior dance because it was loud and exciting with many chants. I also thought that the food was good. Overall I thought the experience was great and I would definitely do it again if I had the chance.