The Haka Dance

February 6th was Waitangi Day, otherwise known as New Zealand Day. And what better way to celebrate than watching a video of this country’s most emblematic tradition, the Haka Dance! Rugby is considered the national sport of New Zealand. Perhaps, the most recognizable icon of New Zealand is its rugby team, the All Blacks, arguably the best national rugby team in the world. It is the only team to have a winning record against all other rugby-playing nations. Not surprisingly, the All Blacks receive their name from their all-black uniform. Even if you don't understand the game or have never seen it played, you probably know who the All Blacks are, because you have seen the Haka war dance. A Haka is a traditional dance of the Maori, the indigenous people of New Zealand, that involves slapping hands[1], stamping feet[2] and chanting. The Haka war dance is performed by the All Blacks before the rugby match[3] starts in order to challenge and intimidate their opponent[4].

The video below has subtitles in English describing the Haka with a translation of the Maori chants.

[1] pegar una palmada, [2] dar una patada, [3] partido, [4] contrincante