The International Traditional Arts Festival of New Zealand, “Ahi Kaa,” will take place from November 27 through December 12, 2011. Folkloric groups from 50 nations will be invited to participate, making this the largest international folk festival in the history of New Zealand.
For folk groups, this presents the opportunity we have all waited for - the chance to perform on the Australian Continent! Members of the folk dance group I dance with ask every year if there isn’t a festival “down under.” We’ve already performed on every other continent* and are eager to conquer this last frontier.
If you’ve ever asked the same question, Ahi Kaa is the answer. In 2011, Ahi Kaa opens with a traditional Maori welcome at Turangawaewae Marae - the official public residence of the Maori King. The scale and scope of the festival depends, in part, on the interest shown by folkloric groups, so let’s tell the festival organizers we’re coming to New Zealand iin 2011 for Ahi Kaa!
The festival will be based in Hamilton, on the North Island. After Hamilton, there are two possibilities being considered for additional performances. The first adds Wellington, for a two-city event. The third adds Christchurch, on New Zealand’s South Island, for a three-city festival.
Participating groups are required to pay their own international travel to and from Hamilton, New Zealand. Once groups arrive, their expenses will be paid by the festival organization.
To register your interest in participating in the International Traditional Arts Festival of New Zealand, “Ahi Kaa” go to www.itaf.org.nz.
Download the pdf announcement here.
IOV Regional Secretary Craig Muntz Explains the Meaning of “Ahi Kaa”
Ahi Kaa is a fundamental traditional Maori cultural concept. Its literal meaning is "site of burning fires". In pre-European times Ahi Kaa signified continuous occupation of land (and therefore the right to control such land). Without the presence of Ahi Kaa other tribes (or people) could make claim to such land.
In contemporary times, Ahi Kaa is used to refer to people who uphold a particular purpose within the community. That is, they are the "keepers of the home fires" be that at home, on the marae (traditional settlements) or within a particular organization or movement.
In the context of this festival, Ahi Kaa symbolises the participants and supporters of the festival and the vital role they fulfill in maintaining and promoting the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The Ahi Kaa are our tradition bearers, our cultural exemplars, the guardians of our traditional arts, customs and knowledge.
