Okinawa, or the Ryukyu Kingdom (1429-1879), prospered in trades with South East Asian countries, as well as with China, Korea and Japan. The Okinawan has believed in a utopia where the Gods live across the sea, where the happiness comes from. The people in the Okinawa or Ryukyu Island were always praying for the Gods, who protect the people, and their sincere prays were gradually formed into songs and dances, and eventually developed into folk entertainments. The variety of folk entertainments, including the sophisticated Ryukyu court dance, has been taken over generation by generation.

For Hue Festival, the Traditional Art Troupe Okinawa – Japan will conduct such inherited performances as classical court dance, powerful Karate actions, and the Eisa, a form of joyful folk dance with singing, chanting and drumming. The colorful costumes are also worthy to be witnessed.

www.huefestival.com