On Saturday, February 15, the grandeur of Tahiti, the largest island of French Polynesia, takes center stage at the Asia Pacific Cultural Center‘s (APCC) 16th Annual Asia Pacific New Year Celebration at the Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Thousands from throughout the Pacific Northwest are expected to attend.
The celebration is a family-friendly event featuring the Tahitian culture along with a multitude of cultures of Asia and the Pacific Islands. The community-based arts and cultural exhibition includes traditional music and dances, martial arts demonstrations, delicious food, and hands-on arts and craft activities.
The Celebration will open with a parade of Asia Pacific countries and words of greeting from dignitaries from Tahiti, Tacoma Mayor Marilyn Strickland, Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy, Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen, Congressman Derek Kilmer, Consul General of Japan Masahiro Omura, and keynote speaker Brigadier General John M. Cho from Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
The performances then kick off with exciting dances and demonstrations from Tahiti, featuring Te Fare O Tamatoa School of Tahitian Dancing and Drumming. Other performances include Tautua Samoa, Evergreen Chinese Academy, Filipino Youth Activities Drill Team, Okinawa Kenjin Kai Taiko, as well as community organizations from India, Hawaii, Laos, Indonesia, Korea, and more.
Event goers can also try get hands on with Muay Thai Kickboxing, Filipino Martial Arts, Vietnamese Martial Arts, Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Hot Hula, and other workshops at the Demonstration Stage. Authentic Asia Pacific cuisine will be served to enjoy during the shows. There will also be arts and crafts tables where children can make lanterns, do Polynesian face-painting, Korean calligraphy, and more. With an expected attendance of 8,000 people, visitors are encouraged to arrive early. Doors open at 10:30 a.m.
APCC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to “bridge communities and generations through arts, culture, education, and business.” APCC was created in 1996 to represent all 47 Asia Pacific cultures in order to promote the greater understanding and appreciation of the traditions, history, and heritage of the Asia Pacific people. In Washington, more than 640,000 people are Asian or Pacific Islander—a 50 percent increase in only 10 years.
For more information, visit www.asiapacificculturalcenter.org or call (253) 383-3900.
APCC 16th Annual Asia Pacific New Year Celebration
Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall
Saturday, February 15 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.