UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures to host 30th Annual Asian Festival, Feb. 4

UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures to host 30th Annual Asian Festival, Feb. 4

UTSA celebrates a variety of Asian cultures and traditions at unique San Antonio festival


(Jan. 11, 2017) -- The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) Institute of Texan Cultures (ITC) will celebrate the many enchanting cultures of Asia during the 30th annual Asian Festival, Saturday Feb. 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the ITC, located at the UTSA Hemisfair Campus, 801 E. César E. Chávez Blvd. in downtown San Antonio.

>>> View the Asian Festival 2017 Visitors Guide.

The Asian Festival began at UTSA as a traditional family reunion for the Chinese New Year. It’s now expanded to include Asian cultures from mainland China, the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asian nations and the island nations of the Pacific.

This year’s festival will feature two stages dedicated to music, dance and entertainment, along with an area for martial arts demonstrations. Guests will enjoy an Asian food demonstration kitchen and an exhibit of Bonsai and Ikebana flower arrangements. The Asian Libation Station will showcase creative Sake drinks and a variety of Asian beers. New this year, community leaders and longtime festival participants will share stories to help guests better understand Asian history and traditions.

“Asia is an enormous and diverse continent with so many cultures and unique traditions,” said Asian Festival director Jo Ann Andera. “UTSA is honored to give these aspects of our community a day to shine. There is no other event like this in San Antonio. It’s more than a day of entertainment. It’s an opportunity to learn and experience these wonderful cultures.”

The Chinese New Year, known in China as the Spring Festival, is celebrated at the turn of the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar. The first day of the Chinese New Year will be Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017, beginning the Year of the Rooster. The rooster is the sign of dawn and awakening, signifying that triumph and success can only be achieved at the price of hard work and patience.

Asian Festival tickets and additional information are available at AsianFestivalSA.com. Adult admission is $8 in advance or $10 at the gate. Admission for children (6-12 years old) is $5. Children 5 and under are free. A group rate of $6 is available for parties of 10 or more. Festival coordinators encourage guests use VIA Park & Ride or a rideshare program.

- Brian Ward

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For more information, call 210-458-2300 or visit TexanCultures.com.

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