By Samantha Suarez
For a city as vibrant in the music, art, and food scene as Grand Rapids, it’s comes as a big surprise to many that it has yet to host an Asian Festival… but all that is about to change this summer! A dedicated group of people who aim to raise cultural awareness and community spirit are planning Grand Rapids’ very first Asian Festival on June 10, 2017.
Grand Rapids is home to a melting pot of Asian cultures, including China, Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, India, and Laos, to name a few. While statistically, Asians make up only about 1.6% of the population, cultural diversity is part of what makes Grand Rapids so great. What better way to celebrate that diversity than a festival to bring people from all walks of life together in the heart of downtown?
Ace Marasigan, one of the event’s main organizers, migrated to the United States when he was 16. Originally from the Philippines, he wanted to honor the culture of his homeland by sharing it with the people of this new home.
“We need to bridge the gap of understanding and help diminish racial prejudices about Asian culture. And, we need to celebrate us. I feel pride in my Filipino culture and I don’t think I’ve expressed myself enough,” Ace said in an interview with The Rapidian, “I have food and traditions I want to share, as well as the struggles of being an immigrant. And, the selfish part of me wants this for my 3-year-old son. I want him to grow up in a place that he’s proud of, where he can identify with others like him.” These sentiments were shared by the other members of the committee… and thus, the festival was born.
The event is FREE will take place at Rosa Parks Circle from 11:00AM – 9:00PM. Guests can enjoy a variety of Asian food from local restaurants, traditional dances, martial arts performances, live music, origami workshops, and, karaoke. So come on down and get your Asian on!
