Authentic Japanese Experiences to Highlight 30th Annual Asian Culture Festival

The Consulate General of Japan in Miami is proud to be a platinum sponsor of the 30th Annual Asian Culture Festival taking place Saturday and Sunday, March 7-8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Preston B. Bird/Mary Heinlein Redland Fruit & Spice Park at 24801 SW 187 Ave. in Homestead.

The two-day fun-filled family event offers music and dance performances, demonstrations, arts and crafts, and a selection of authentic Asian cuisine.

Japanese Taiko drummers Fushu Daiko will thrill festival-goers with their thundering rhythms, dynamic movements, and intense showmanship. Free Japanese flower arrangement (ikebana) workshops will be offered at the Coral Rock Auditorium. Guests are encouraged to visit the Consulate-General of Japan’s booth, where they can learn how to write their name in Japanese as well as try their hand at origami, the traditional art of paper folding.

The festival offers a way to actively experience and learn the traditions, contributions, and heritage of Asia. Children will receive a traveling passport as they embark on educational adventures visiting each country. In addition, a children’s playground will offer games, rock climbing, a bounce house, and more.

Other highlights include a lion dance performed by the Thai Dance Troupe of Miami, traditional Thai fruit and vegetable carving, and K-pop dancers. Asian arts, crafts, cultural products, and a variety of plants will also be on display and available for purchase.

In addition, guests will have the opportunity to experience the flavors of Asia with dishes from Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, Iran, South Korea, Turkey, India, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Israel, Laos, Myanmar, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tibet, Vietnam, Mongolia and more.

The festival is organized by the Thai-American Association of South Florida together with the Miami-Dade County Asian-American Advisory Board and the Fruit & Spice Park. Attracting more than 15,000 visitors last year, the festival seeks to continue bringing together the South Floridian community at large for years to come, and aims to promote the importance of cultural diversity and inclusivity in building a vibrant, prosperous and healthy community.

Tickets are $14 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12. Children under 6 are free. Tickets are available at www.asianculturefestival.net/.

For more information about the Consulate-General of Japan in Miami, please contact culture@mi.mofa.go.jp or webmaster@mi.mofa.go.jp and visit www.miami.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/index.html.