Kula Kula Festival returns to Oaga Art Resort for fourth edition
Kula Kula Festival, Fourth Edition, Oaga Art Resort, 20-25 March, With Cultural Influences From Maldives, Brazil & India. An Exciting Celebration Of Art, Music & Community.
Festival "Celebrates Immersive Cultural Experiences": Blending Religious Customs Associated With Eid Al-Fitr (Islamic Holiday), The Festive Atmosphere Of The Brazilian Carnival, And The Brightly Coloured Fun Of Holi. Festival Promotes Connection Between Heritage, Performance, And Common Experience Through An Exciting Programme Consisting Of A Variety Of Cultural Workshops, Music Performances & Interactions/Activities.
Festival Begins With Events Based On Culture In Maldives - Inviting Guests To Discover Local Customs & Performances That Reflect Maldives' Culture. Continues Working With Kiyavahi Culture Studio - By Offering Demo/Workshop/Interactive Installation On Traditional Maldivian Craftsmanship & Tradition Storytelling.
Guests Can Take Part In Practical Activities To Learn About Traditional Crafts (e.g. Fangi Viyun - Thatch Weaving) Roanu Veshun - Creating Coir Rope, Kasabu Gethun - Lacquer Work, And Thundu Kunaa Viyun - Weaving Mats). These Activities Will Also Provide Guests With Information About Each Of These Specific Crafts History And Its Cultural Importance For Local Population.
The festival will start with a ceremonial bonfire (Eid Malhi) for the sighting of the new moon by Oaga's Rahvehin (19 March), followed by Eid prayers and a traditional Maldivian breakfast (Eid Sai) at Kaa Kada. Several activities will take place throughout the day, including beach games (Eid Kulhivaru) and a high-energy celebration (Fen Kulhi) that involves water and colour.
One of the major parts of the programme is the Maali (Characters from Maldivian folklore) Parade, which will lead to a cultural high tea gathering at Raa Baa Beach, with live performances and opportunities to see cultural dress.
Live performances and music will play a huge part in the festival, including Boduberu fusion performances by Nuff and Ciam, and traditional storytelling rhythms from the Harunulaa Boduberu Group. Digital Flock will perform electronic music during the lively Kula Kula Rave.
Naffah will represent Maldivian music as a solo performer, and storyteller Amney will share folklore through music and storytelling at O’Fire.
Kalyan, an instrumentalist who plays sitar, will introduce the listeners to Indian Classical Music by performing at different times during the festival. Alikko - the performer representing Brazil - will surprise the audience with his energetic fire shows that accompany meals for special occasions, such as an outdoor dining show for dinner .
Meals served through the festival will represent the theme of multiculturalism. The lunch and dinner menus include special items like Eid Jaafaiy and Indian-inspired menu items created in partnership with Kalyan, allowing guests to enjoy the taste of all cultures involved in the festival.
In addition to the fire performances after the meal, there will also be live music, communal barbecue meals, and artwork created by artists in an Unethical Projection live collaboration that includes influence from both resident and guest artists through interactive visual and musical performances.
The festival is adding to the celebration of Carnaval by having a separate buffet at Kaa Kada on Saturday, featuring the Brazilian-style buffet and the Saturday Night Kula Kula Rave produced by Digital Flock with performances by Alikko among other festivities.
The culmination of the festival will consist of multiple days where Maldivian, Indian and Brazilian cultures combine under the slogan "Many Made, One Felt". Events during this time include a collaboration of Nuff with the Rav drum through music and stories being told by Amney.
At the end of the festival, all participants will gather for their Deserted Day Picnic on the Hastheem Sandbank, where everyone can participate in some watersports, get some snacks from our island food vendors, and enjoy DJ sets by Afruh.
Through its range of performances, workshops and celebrations, Kula Kula Festival is helping to create a growing recognition of itself as a showcase for arts and culture while showing the creative personality of Oaga Art Resort.
