A celebration of the far east and a rousing welcome to the Year of the Pig, Queens’ MarketPlace invites the community to join it for Asian Fest 5-8 p.m. Feb. 1.
A celebration of the far east and a rousing welcome to the Year of the Pig, Queens’ MarketPlace invites the community to join it for Asian Fest 5-8 p.m. Feb. 1.
The free event is a unique and popular way to experience and enjoy the music, cuisine and customs of China, Japan, Okinawa, the Philippines, and other Asian cultures.
Highlights of the event include food tastings, nonstop entertainment and a lion dance. A centuries-old tradition, essential to New Year’s festivities in Hawaii, the colorful Chinese Lion Dancers perform acrobatic feats and leaps, interacting with the audience and parading through Queens’ MarketPlace from door to door. Participants young and old can feed the lion lai see (red envelopes with small donations in them) to bring good fortune in the year ahead (envelopes will be provided).
Taiko also plays an essential part of Asian Fest, and the thundering drums of Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko of North Kohala kick off the excitement at the Coronation Pavilion.
Info: 886-8822 or visit www.queensmarketplace.net
