This Saturday the Southern Alberta Ethnic Association hosts the Asian Heritage Festival at the Multicultural Centre from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The festival is a vibrant celebration that brings together the rich diversity of Asian cultures, traditions and histories in one immersive event.
Board President Priti Maheshwari says the festival has been an important part of what the association does each year. “We’ve been hosting this festival because of our role in the community to engage in diversity and inclusion and promote the cultural highlights of the different groups in the community. Also, because we have already an Asian member group. We’ve been celebrating this month for a few years now.”
This year, it’s more than just a festival, she notes. “We have three different activities planned throughout the month.”
Throughout May, the association will be promoting member groups on SAEA social media platforms. “We will be having cultural displays at the Centre for the community to come check out.”
On the day of the festival, she adds, member groups from China, India, Nepal and others will be a part of the celebration.
The association has also added three new members from Asia. “These members will also be participating. There will be dancing, singing, games and food. Our member groups will be cooking authentic food.”
“We will be having dedicated game corners for kids. These games, activities and workshops will be for the kids to learn about these cultures.”