Asian Fest Displays Rich and Diverse Culture

More stories from Michael Mendez

 

Asian culture was put on full display in the Free Speech Area on April 30 during the annual Asian Fest celebration. This event also marked the Chinese new year and the start of the year of the monkey.

The event featured Asian culture through many perspectives — numerous vendors selling a variety of objects, the sumptuous cuisine, artwork and live performances.

Maile Martin, a college assistant at the Student Activities office who has helped organize Asian Fest since its inception in 2007, said she sees the event as a way of sharing culture as a way of passing it on to future generations.

“This event is a mini passport into Asian culture here at Fresno City College,” Martin said. “That is about sharing culture in the different groups and organizations that came in to support that while letting new people to experience it.”

This year’s Asian Fest featured more events than in previous years, including a martial art showcase, cultural dance performances, an array of different food options, and more vendors with a large section dedicated to anime fans.

The turnout was impressive; 1,200 people attended, the biggest turnout since the inception of Asian Fest.

Maile Martin said she was pleased with the result and is considering making next year’s a two-day event.

“This a great event for everyone to share culture through the sights and sounds and smells,” Martin said. “That makes this event every memorable.”