The 15th Annual Savannah Asian Festival brings an entire continent of unique cultures, cuisines, performances and fun to the Savannah Civic Center on June 5.  The City of Savannah's Department of Cultural Affairs and Asian-American volunteers work together to present this one-day celebration of Asian countries and cultures.

“This event has grown so much over the years; each year is an opportunity to celebrate the many similarities and differences in the cultures of Asia,” said Grandmaster Jong Lee, a long-time participant of the event.  “Some people may not realize that Asia spans all the way from the Middle East, to Russia and over to the Polynesian Islands.  The Asian community in Savannah is very proud to have this opportunity to showcase our heritage at this festival.”

Festival attendees can enjoy free live stage performances including the thunderous Matsuriza Taiko Drummers, from Orlando, Fla.; the amazing SinoElite acrobats, from Orlando, Fla., featuring talents from the People’s Republic of China, and a dazzling display of power from the Chien Hong School of Kung Fu Lion Dancers from Atlanta, Ga.  In addition, there will be an array of other live musical, martial arts and dance performances on stage from performing groups representing Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, Polynesia, Thailand and India.

The festival will offer samplings of exotic cuisines from across the continent.  Several local restaurants, will be presenting a selection of regional favorites from Polynesia, China, Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam, India and the Middle East.

Browse the Cultural Marketplace to learn more about each country and discover the traditional arts, crafts, fashions and treasures unique to each nation.  From Ming-shard jewelry to calligraphy sets, original paintings, hand-beaded clothing, exotic accessories and henna body painting, an entire continent’s worth of treasures that can be found in the marketplace.  Also enjoy a workshop on the Asian & Middle Eastern Tea Ceremonies.

 

Children can be entertained in the children’s activity area, where they can learn more about Asian cultures through hands-on activities.  They can have fun experimenting with Japanese fan projects, “Zen Gardening”, Diwali treasure boxes, Asian flag making and other cultural crafts.

 

 The Savannah Asian Festival is free courtesy of the City of Savannah.  The festival takes place Saturday, June 5, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Savannah Civic Center, located at Montgomery and Liberty Streets.  Parking at the Civic Center is free for the day.  There is a charge for food and purchases from the Cultural Marketplace.

 

For a complete performance schedule visit www.savannahga.gov/arts or call (912) 651-6417.

 

 

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

 

(times are approximate)

 

 

 

11:00 a.m.       Opening Ceremony and Parade of Flags

 

11:30 a.m.       Lee’s TaeKwando Martial Arts Demonstrations (Korea)

 

11:55 a.m.       Chien Hong School of Kung Fu Lion Dancers (China)

 

12:20 p.m.       Matsuriza Taiko Drummers (Japan)

 

12:45 p.m.       Sanggar Lestari Indonesian Performing Group

 

1:10 p.m.         SinoElite Acrobats (China)

 

1:45 p.m.         Children of Polynesia

 

2:10 p.m.         Sampaguita Dance Troupe (Philippines)      

 

2:35 p.m.         Hac Long Duong Lion Dancers (Vietnam)   

 

3:00 p.m.         Matsuriza Taiko Drummers (Japan)

 

3:25 p.m.         SinoElite Acrobats (China)

 

3:55 p.m.         India Association of Savannah Dance Group

 

4:15 p.m.         Byrd’s Korean Martial Arts

 

4:40 p.m.         Thailand Dance Group