Scottsdale, Az– It was a spectacular display of the Asian culture during the 21st Asian Festival at the Scottsdale Civic Center on December 3rd and 4th where thousands of spectators attended.
The Philippines has been chosen as the ‘country of interest’ in this year’s Annual Asian Festival which is sponsored by the Asian American Association of Arizona (AAAA).
The ‘Avenue of Culture’ featured a rare display of the rich cultural heritage of 16 Asian countries.
Countries with cultural booths were: Laos, China, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Cambodia, Burma, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, Korea, Bangladesh, Thailand and the Philippines including a cultural organization Karen.
The cultural booths displayed arts and exhibits and other items that are unique in any of these countries.
One of the highlights of the 2-day event is the Fashion Parade from the 16 participating countries where models were dressed in their colorful and intricate native costumes. The Fashion Parade of Nations is choreographed by Haidee Zmerzlikar, who is also the Filipino Cultural Director of the AAAA.
Zmerzlikar was also incharge of the Avenue of Cultures where the Philippines was the featured country and thus provided the audience with an array of cultural performances that included folk dances, songs and music as well other forms of entertainment.
Zmerzlikar told The Filipino American Journal, “ the AAAA is so grateful to all the Filipino groups and individuals who shared their talents and commitment that contributed a lot for the success of the event at the Avenue of Culture Stage.”
Albert Lin, AAAA President said, “the 2016 Asian Festival was a great success simply because of the hardworking officers and members of the AAAA as well as the support of the general public and our elected officials of the City of Scottsdale and of Arizona.”
Patricia Carstens, 2016 Festival Chairperson said, “this year’s Asian Festival showcased more than 16 Asian Pacific cultures. The World Stage hosts a line-up of exciting performances with costumes of every color. Martial artists demonstrated ancient techniques requiring discipline and finesse.”
The event was likewise attended by top officials of the community: Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane, Senator Kimberly Yee and Barry Wong of the Office of the Arizona Governor.
In his message, Mayor Lane congratulated the officers and members of the Asian American Association of Arizona for another magnificent event.”
In his message, Governor Ducey (who was represented by Barry Wong) said,” the Asian Festival is a celebration, promoting public awareness of Arizona’s diverse culture and recognizing the many contributions made to Arizona and the nation by people of Asian descent.”
For her part, Senator Yee said, “as Asian Americans, we share a rich culture and maintain a strong cultural traditions among our communities. We play an important role in Arizona – contributing to our state’s rich diversity, economy and workforce.”
The spectators which crowded the Scottsdale Civic Center were likewise feted with Asian food, tea party ceremonies as well as booths by business sponsors and other organizations.
