SEACMA’s 10th Annual Asian Festival Hits Worcester This Weekend

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Jeffrey Starr, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

Costumes, art, music and food will all be present at this fun and unique festival.

The Southeast Asian Coalition of Central Massachusetts (SEACMA) will present the 10th annual Asian Festival at the Italian American Cultural Center on Sunday, June 30th. Admission is free and open to the public.

Representatives from thirteen distinct nations (Burma, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Hmong, India, Japan, Korea, Laos, Nepal, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam) will be gathered to celebrate, teach and learn about the many unique Asian cultures and heritages that have found their way in and become an integral part of the diverse community of Central Mass.

Visitors and participants will take part in the exhibition of arts and handicrafts, musical performances, the showcasing of dance and national costumes, and the tasting of various wonderful foods. This is the second year the Asian Festival will also hold the popular Lion Dance competition, with at least five troupes coming from around New England.

Additionally, organizers will offer valuable information on health education and hold a free medical screening program for all those interested.

"Since 2003, the Asian Festival has brought Asia to Worcester's doorstep without having to travel!" exclaims Anh Vu Sawyer, Executive Director of SEACMA.

"The festival is a great cross-cultural experience for everyone, from little children to teenagers to elders, and their families...and attendees will have a great opportunity to see some of the great cultural diversity of Greater Worcester."

Advancing the Mission of SEACMA

SEACMA is the only SE Asian coalition in Central Massachusetts. Since 1999, they have been the gateway for many SE Asian immigrants and refugees to integrate into American society. SEACMA's mission, which this event goes a long way to help further, is to build a "vibrant Southeast Asian community" for a "vibrant Worcester."

In addition, this event is the only annual celebration in Massachusetts that gathers together representatives of 12 or more nations to celebrate and learn together on one day about the different and colorful cultures and heritages of Asia. We are lucky to have it right here in Worcester.

"All the committees of the Asian Festival are thankful for and love the greater Worcester Community. In addition to being a testiment to Worcester's glorious cultural diversity, we hope people take pride in our City and will see that Asians are a loving and peaceful people with beautiful cultures and heritages," remarks Sawyer.

"The Asian Festival is an important event to celebrate, promote, preserve and show respect and appreciation for the presence of the many Asian communities in the city of Worcester. Celebrating together has helped strengthen our relationship among ourselves, in our families, across generations, with other cultures and with the greater Worcester community at large."

For more information on this event and the Southeast Asian Coalition of Central Massachusetts generally please visit http://www.seacma.org/. The Italian American Cultural Center is located at 28 Mulberry Street in Worcester. The event lasts noon-7 pm on Sunday.