Every year in
November, Kona celebrates the annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival. Kona is a region in the Big Island of
Hawaii. Coffee is grown many places in Hawaii; however, the land in Kona is
best suited for the growing of coffee. Around 95% of all coffee grown in Hawaii
is grown in Kona. At one point in history, the school system’s had their summer
break changed to accommodate the coffee production season. Most of the current
coffee farmers are 5th generation coffee growers. Approximately
seventeen thousand people attend the festival each year. The festival debut occurred
in 1970. It is so popular because it showcases the current culture of Kona and
the history of Kona as well. There are many different activities to do at this
10 day fair. Most include coffee tastings. One of the big events every year is
the Miss Kona Coffee Scholarship Pageant. This opens the fair every year. The
winner may also go on as a contestant in the Miss Hawaii pageant. The 2015 Kona
Coffee Cultural Festival will take place on November 6-15, 2015. This will be
the 45th annual festival. In addition to their festival, Kona offers
many coffee tours at any time of the year.
"Kona Coffee Festival." Kona
Coffee Festival. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2015.
Lucas-Zenk, Carolyn. "Kona Coffee
Cultural Festival Kicks off Friday." Kona Coffee Cultural Festival Kicks
off Friday. West Hawaii Today, 4 Nov. 2014. Web. 12 Apr. 2015.
Lawrence, Alexis. "Kona Coffee
Festival." Travel Tips. USA Today, n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2015.
I find it very interesting they choose to celebrate their crop in such a way. I enjoy how they allow the crop to bind the nation together. They allow the crop to be a gate towards not only bonding but bettering the lives of some on the island. Also, I like how they get creative with the festival. Instead of only keeping it a coffee tasting, they made it an event for all.
ReplyDeleteI knew that coffee was important to the Hawaiian culture, but I did not realize how highly they regard coffee. It is very interesting how people can create a festival and create a holiday revolving around a certain food or drink.
ReplyDelete