27th Okinawan Festival

Okinawan Festival from hawaii on Vimeo.

This past weekend brought the 27th annual Okinawan Festival back to Kapiolani Park. More than 40,000 people turned out over two full days to revel in all things uchinanchu, showcasing everything from traditional Okinawan performances, to delicious food, to several cultural activities.

My family and I checked things out on Saturday, and I put together a six-minute video. Scenes include the opening procession's eisa paranku dancers, the preparation of irresistible and delicious andagi, various exhibits, and arts and crafts. I also pay a special visit with Shari Tamashiro, Kapiolani Community College's multitalented "Cybrarian," who prepared an exhibit on the Battle of Okinawa as well as the "Pigs from the Sea." The video closes with a special song and dance by the "Anda-Guys."

To view the video in HD, go to Vimeo, YouTube, or Facebook. To download it as a MPEG-4 video file, go to Blip.TV.