The Consulate-General of Japan in Miami is offering South Floridians the opportunity to experience Japanese culture and traditions firsthand during the 29th Annual Asian Culture Festival.
Presented by the Thai-American Association of South Florida and the Miami-Dade County Asian-American Advisory Board, the Asian Culture Festival returns to Fruit & Spice Park on Saturday, March 2 and Sunday, March 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Fruit & Spice Park is located at 24801 S.W. 187th Ave. in Homestead.
Through shared cultural experiences including food, music, dance, art and more, the Asian Culture Festival brings the history and customs of more than a dozen Asian countries to 15,000 attendees each year.
At the Japan tent, organized and hosted by the Consulate, guests can try their hand at Ikebana (the art of Japanese flower arrangement), Origami (paper folding) and Japanese calligraphy.
On the main stage, the Consulate is sponsoring Taiko drumming performances by Fushu Daiko, which thrills audiences with its thundering rhythms, dynamic movements and intense showmanship. Additionally, Sensei Frank Nieves, head instructor at the Institute of Budo Studies in Miami, will conduct demonstrations of Iaido and Kendo, centuries-old forms of authentic Japanese swordsmanship and martial arts.
Additional performances on the main stage include a traditional Chinese lion dance, dragon boat racing and a performance by the Thai Dance Troupe of Ottawa. Other festival highlights include folk dance, live music, martial arts performances, demonstrations of fruit and vegetable carving and more. Asian cuisine is also available for purchase.
Admission is $12 for adults, $5 for children ages six to 12 and free for children under six. Tickets are available at www.asianculturefestival.net.
For more information, visit www.asianculturefestival.net or contact Asian Culture Festival Executive Producer Phonethip (Tai) Vaz at 954-274-2459 or acfofmiami@gmail.com.
For more information about the Consulate of Japan, visit http://www.miami.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/index.html.