This year’s Alabama Asian Cultures and Food Festival begins with remarks from visiting dignitaries, including the Consul General from the Indonesian Consulate in Houston.   As part of a special partnership with the Alabama Dance Council for Alabama’s Bicentennial, the Nathifa Dance Company will perform in celebration of the Foundation’s motto: “Unity in Diversity” and “Cultural Expression through Dance”. Regular activities will begin at 11:00 am.

“Must see’s” this year are a follow-up to our “Visions of China” exhibition of the earliest known color photographs taken in China, Alabama Dance Foundation’s “Stories in Motion”sessions, a Cyr Wheel performance and an Indonesian Gamelan, a musical group performing traditional music of Bali and Java, Returning again this year are the members of Matsuriza, internationally known Japanese Taiko drummers from Epcot Center at Walt Disney World. We, of course, welcome long-time local friends, Natyananda and Jasmine Dance Ensemble, as well as Aastha’s Bollywood Dancer. Groups from out-of-state have been brought in for this special event also: the Atlanta Dance Company, Sangaar Lestauri Indonesia, as well as two new local groups:  Red Apple Group and Creations. The very different sounds of traditional Asian music and rhythms will conjure images of far-away lands, as will the silk embroidered and painted art, ceramics, books, dolls, umbrellas, lanterns, plants, and other items on sale in the Festival Bazaar. An ATM is available in the building, and there will be more credit card stations too. After their introduction in 2014, there will be more Asian countries represented by cultural heritage booths whose mission is to share interesting and fun aspects of their cultures with you. Don’t forget to get your “passport” stamped as you visit each booth. There will be interactive educational programs for the whole family, as “kids” from 6 to 99 take a “journey across Asia” on a giant map of Asia.

This year’s BAZAAR area will feature business and nonprofit vendors’ booths so you can browse the exotic merchandise offered and learn about products and services available. The Foundation tables will also be open for business. Children and adults will present many different and colorful costumes during our annual Asian fashion show (done a little differently this year.) that appeals to all ages and every photographer in the house. And be sure to see the colorful display of 20,000 origami cranes that serves as a peace and friendship mobile.

And, of course, food is a major part of this Festival. Again, there will be cuisine offered from at least nine different Asian countries. Sample as you will, and savor the aromas, flavors, and textures of the foods offered. Try new things and discover new favorites. This year you will have the freedom to purchase individual servings of any dish you wish from any food booth, as there will be no pre-prepared plates. Only tokens will be used to purchase food to accelerate service. Pots of Jasmine tea, sodas, and bottled water will be available also. The “Food Court” opens at 11:30 am and closes at 3:00 p.m., so don’t be late.

We wish to acknowledge that this project has been made possible by grants from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.