Maui's Barrio Fiesta May 29, 2011

Maui's Barrio Fiesta is held on Memorial Day weekend at the Wailuku War Memorial's Soccer Field. According to one of the organizers, the Fiesta is held purposely on Memorial Day each year to remember that Filipinos have an important role.

In Hawaii, there is no doubt that part of our mixed plate of cultures includes a heavy dose of the Filipino culture. It can be seen daily in many ways and is emphasized each year though events such as Maui's Annual Barrio Fiesta.

Beyond the variety of entertainment and events, I know many look forward to indulging in the large selection of foods offered by many non profits. Most of them supported through events such as the Annual Barrio Fiesta on Maui.

Trying to be helpful, as well as keep any extra "seasoning" out of the food, Maui County Council  Member Mike Victorino wipes the hard working chef on duty, while he helps prepare the food for the traditional last day free feast that is offered up to the volunteers and the public.

Some of the non profits got pretty creative with their booths.

While I missed the rest of the entertainment and can't compare, I thought this young lady was really good and would be curious to know more about here and here performance. Any one know and want to comment?

Kikiada back to the rescue at the Maui Matsuri 2011

The Maui Matsuri Japanese Cultural Festival held on Maui is always a major event. One that is always pulled off so smoothly, at least from the publics view.

The Maui Matsuri is one of the public events held by the Japanese Cultural Society of Maui (JCSM).
The JCSM was started back in 1969 by Nisei (first generation children) women that wanted to keep the heritage going. The Issei were the first generation of immigrants to Hawaii, so educating and creating awareness for their children the Nisei, the grandchildren the Sensei, their great-grandchildren the Yonsei and these days the Gosei, the fifth generation born to at least one Yonsei parent.

Mrs. Edith Izumi, the Society's first President and the member defined their objectives for the JCSM.

They are:

• To promote and encourage the preservation and perpetuation of the Japanese culture in Hawaii;
• To work for the common good and general welfare;
• To promote and cultivate good fellowship among the members; and
• To participate in activities which would enhance and enrich the life of the community.

The Maui Matsuri was held on Market Street in Wailuku Town when I first attended it. Since then they have successfully pulled off several of Matsuri events, including this years, at the now University of Hawaii-Maui Campus.

Always a highlight of the event is the visit of Kikaida and his brother Kikaida 01. Doing battle on stage to protect Maui from the Kikaida brother's longtime foes always has the kids cheering and rooting the Kikaida along. This year was no exception. For more on the Maui Matsuri you can visit their site at www.MauiMatsuri.com.