Ukulele Day

What Is Ukulele Day?

August 23 is "Ukulele Day." On August 23, 1879, Portuguese immigrants who brought the braguinha — a small stringed instrument that became the prototype of the ukulele — registered as immigrants in Hawaii. In 1979, the State of Hawaii designated this date as "Ukulele Day." The Hawaii Tourism Authority has also held Ukulele Day campaigns in Japan.

Why August 23 Is "Ukulele Day"

On this day, the ship Ravenscrag is said to have arrived in Honolulu carrying immigrants from the Portuguese island of Madeira. According to a popular story, one passenger, João Fernandes, celebrated the end of the long voyage by playing a borrowed small stringed instrument and singing on the dock.

• August 23, 1879: Portuguese immigrants who brought the braguinha registered in Hawaii.
• 1979: On the 100th anniversary, the State of Hawaii designated the date as Ukulele Day.
• Popularity in Japan: The ukulele gained widespread popularity in Japan thanks to the postwar Hawaii boom and influence from music culture.

The History and Culture of the Ukulele

While the ukulele is often thought of as a Hawaiian invention, its roots actually trace back to Portugal.

• Brought by Portuguese immigrants: In the late 19th century, immigrants from Madeira brought small stringed instruments such as the machete (braguinha) to Hawaii, which became the prototype for the ukulele. Some of them were woodworkers who opened shops making ukuleles in Hawaii in the 1880s.
• Royal patronage: King Kalakaua loved the ukulele and incorporated it into court music, helping it spread rapidly.
• Spreading around the world: By the 20th century, ukulele booms had emerged in the continental United States and in Japan.

The Structure Behind the Ukulele's Sound

For such a small instrument, the ukulele packs a surprising amount of clever design into its rich sound.

• Four strings: The ukulele focuses on the higher register, producing a bright, cheerful tone.
• Body resonance: The type and thickness of the wood greatly affect the instrument's resonance and tone.
• Re-entrant tuning: The ukulele's distinctively high-pitched fourth string is part of what gives it its uniquely upbeat sound.

Fascinating Facts About the Ukulele

• The origin of the name: The word "ukulele" is thought to come from the Hawaiian for "jumping flea."
• Different sizes: Soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone are the four most common ukulele sizes.
• Ukulele culture in Japan: The instrument spread rapidly during Japan's postwar Hawaii boom and continues to have a strong following of enthusiasts today.
• A world-renowned player: Hawaii-born ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro is widely credited with showing the world the instrument's full potential.

Ways to Enjoy Ukulele Day

• Pick up a ukulele and try playing a song with some simple chords.
• Listen to Hawaiian music and savor the sound of the ukulele.
• Learn about the history and structure of the ukulele to appreciate its depth as an instrument.
• Join a ukulele class or workshop.

A Small Instrument That Carries the Breeze of Hawaii Straight to Your Heart

Ukulele Day on August 23 is a day to explore the history and culture of the ukulele and let yourself be soothed by its gentle tone. The light melodies that flow from your fingertips might just bring a little bit of island breeze into your everyday life.