The City of Savannah’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Armstrong State University will present the 2017 Savannah Asian Cultural Festival, one of the South’s largest Asian celebrations, on April 21 and 22. All events will take place at Armstrong’s main campus at 11935 Abercorn St. in Savannah. The festival is free and open to the public.
 
“We are honored to co-host the Savannah Asian Cultural Festival on our campus for the third consecutive year,” says Armstrong President Linda M. Bleicken. “This lively celebration stands apart as a showcase of cultural diversity, offering a wide range of educational experiences for attendees of all ages.”
 
The 2017 Savannah Asian Cultural Festival will bring the continent of Asia to coastal Georgia by presenting various cultures, cuisines and live performances. The 21st anniversary event will kick off on Friday, April 21 at 7:30 p.m. at the Armstrong Fine Arts Auditorium. Highlights will include live music and dance performers from a range of countries including Japan, South Korea and China, as well as a Tae Kwon Do exhibition by Grandmaster Jong Ho Lee, a 9th degree black belt with more than 50 years of experience in the martial arts, and his students.
 
On Saturday, April 22, the family-friendly celebration will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering live performances as well as a selection of cuisine from local restaurants featuring regional favorites from Polynesia, China, Japan, the Philippines and Thailand. Savannah Mayor Eddie DeLoach and President Bleicken will welcome festivalgoers, and a main stage on Armstrong’s Burnett Lawn will host a Parade of Nations, with participants from 20 countries in their native dress showcasing flags. Japanese Taiko drumming and traditional Chinese, Thailand, Filipino, Polynesian and Indian dance will be also presented throughout the day.  
 
In addition, a Cultural Marketplace will offer the opportunity to learn more about each country and to discover traditional arts, crafts, fashions and treasures unique to each nation. This year, the Savannah Asian Cultural Festival will offer free karate, yoga, belly dancing, Tai Chi and Indian dance classes in Armstrong’s International Garden, along with a Pakistani tea ceremony.