Western Gateway Park is already buzzing as crews race to prepare for the return of CelebrAsian in downtown Des Moines.Dozens of vendors and performers spent Thursday evening setting up booths, hanging decorations and rehearsing performances ahead of Friday's opening. “Preparation for the festival actually starts months in advance … brainstorming the themes and then the ideas, the communities, what foods represented, all of that,†Smita Volz with the Indian Village team said.This year's festival theme is “A Story of Us,†with communities sharing their cultures through food, music, clothing and performances.“It's going to look fabulous, festive, colorful, and bringing the story of our community to Iowa,†Volz said.Across the park, performers from Taiwan with the Formosa Melody Music Center rehearsed for opening night, blending traditional Taiwanese instruments with contemporary music and dance.“We combine traditional Taiwanese music with very modern, western music as well,†performer Wendy Hsiao said.The group said it hopes audiences leave with a deeper understanding of Taiwanese culture.“We want to introduce every Taiwanese style, what is famous and special in Taiwan, to all over the world,†Hsiao said. “And it's our honor to perform in America.â€Thai Association of Iowa President Sue Hudson said visitors also will have the chance to try on traditional clothing and experience customs from Thailand.“You get to wear our clothing, walking around the festival, be a part of it,†Hudson said.Organizers say those interactions are part of what makes CelebrAsian unique.“It's a bridge between us,†Hudson said. “Once we have the understanding of different cultures and what we do, it's such an amazing thing that bringing people together.â€CelebrAsian opens at 11 a.m. Friday and Saturday at Western Gateway Park. Booths and performances will run until 10 p.m. both nights, and admission is free. A full schedule is available on the Iowa Asian Alliance website.
Western Gateway Park is already buzzing as crews race to prepare for the return of CelebrAsian in downtown Des Moines.
Dozens of vendors and performers spent Thursday evening setting up booths, hanging decorations and rehearsing performances ahead of Friday's opening.
“Preparation for the festival actually starts months in advance … brainstorming the themes and then the ideas, the communities, what foods represented, all of that,†Smita Volz with the Indian Village team said.
This year's festival theme is “A Story of Us,†with communities sharing their cultures through food, music, clothing and performances.
“It's going to look fabulous, festive, colorful, and bringing the story of our community to Iowa,†Volz said.
Across the park, performers from Taiwan with the Formosa Melody Music Center rehearsed for opening night, blending traditional Taiwanese instruments with contemporary music and dance.
“We combine traditional Taiwanese music with very modern, western music as well,†performer Wendy Hsiao said.
The group said it hopes audiences leave with a deeper understanding of Taiwanese culture.
“We want to introduce every Taiwanese style, what is famous and special in Taiwan, to all over the world,†Hsiao said. “And it's our honor to perform in America.â€
Thai Association of Iowa President Sue Hudson said visitors also will have the chance to try on traditional clothing and experience customs from Thailand.
“You get to wear our clothing, walking around the festival, be a part of it,†Hudson said.
Organizers say those interactions are part of what makes CelebrAsian unique.
“It's a bridge between us,†Hudson said. “Once we have the understanding of different cultures and what we do, it's such an amazing thing that bringing people together.â€
CelebrAsian opens at 11 a.m. Friday and Saturday at Western Gateway Park. Booths and performances will run until 10 p.m. both nights, and admission is free. A full schedule is available on the Iowa Asian Alliance website.
