A Not-to-be-Missed Maui Matsuri Weekend

This weekend, the Japanese Cultural Society of Maui will culminate its 19th Annual Maui Matsuri series with TWO not-to-be-missed events: International Culture Night (on Friday, May 24) and Maui Matsuri Festival Day (on Saturday, May 25).

Maui Matsuri’s International Culture Night on Friday, May 24th at UH Maui College Pilina Building Student Lounge, will feature multi-cultural entertainment, fashion show, and a show featuring Hawaiʻi-based comedian Frank Delima.

Held tonight from 6 to 9 p.m. at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College Pilina Building Student Lounge, International Culture Night will be a showcase of multi-cultural entertainment.

Among the groups performing will be: Zenshin Daiko (taiko drumming), Maui Chinese Club (storytelling/music), La Galeria Compania Baile Filipino (songs/dance), Maui Dance Klub (Kpop dance), Maui Buyo Dance Academy (Japanese dance), Jimpu Kai Maui (Okinawan dance), Halau Hula O Keola Alii O Ke Kai (Hawaiian dance), Portuguese Cultural Club (storytelling), Dance International (Filipino dance), and Isle of Maui Pipe Band (Scottish bagpipes).

An international fashion show will also be presented along with a show by Hawaiʻi’s own comedian Frank Delima will also perform.

Parking at UH Maui College is free.  International Culture Night is sponsored by Alexander and Baldwin.

The Maui Matsuri Festival Day held on Saturday, May 25th at UH Maui College’s Great Lawn will feature Japanese entertainment, food and craft booths, food trucks, children’s crafts, exhibits, a cosplay exhibition, demonstrations and fun contests. Pictured: Zenshin Daiko

Then, get ready for Maui Matsuri Festival Day on Saturday, May 25, from 2 to 9 p.m.

Held at the UH Maui College on the Great Lawn, this popular event will feature Japanese entertainment by Maui Taiko (drumming), Maui Okinawa Taiko (drumming), Kyle Chew (Shakuhachi-bamboo flute), Keola Worthington and Kawika Defries, Zenshin Daiko (drumming), Makawao Kendo Club (Kendo demonstration), Maui Minyou Kai (folk dancing), and Nakayama Minyou Kai (folk dancing).

Festivities will also include food and craft booths, food trucks, free children’s crafts, exhibits, a cosplay exhibition, martial arts demos, saimin and natto eating contests. This year’s Japanese Cultural Society of Maui Scholarship awardees and Maui Matsuri Art Contest winners will also be announced.

Capping the evening will be a memorial community Bon Dance, a cherished Japanese Buddhist custom dating back more than 500 years that honors one’s ancestors.

Parking at the UH Maui College is $5 per vehicle.

The Maui Matsuri Festival series is sponsored by the Japanese Cultural Society of Maui, Island Honda, UH Maui College, IBEW Local Union 1186, Maui Taiko; and supporters: County of Maui and Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority.

Public admission for both events is free. For event details, visit www.mauimatsuri.com. For more information, visit www.mauimatsuri.com, email mauimatsuri@gmail.com or call the Maui Matsuri hotline at (808) 213-0711.