By Adriana Ruiz and M.J. Callahan
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
In celebration of the Chinese New Year, the Institute of Texan Cultures invites everyone to attend the 27th annual Asian Festival 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday at 801 E. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd.
The event will feature traditional dance performances, shopping, arts and crafts, cooking demonstrations, lectures and martial arts demonstrations.
The event also will feature a variety of authentic Japanese, Korean, Thai, Laotian and Philippine cuisine from 15 local vendors.
“The event is an opportunity for people to socialize and experience Asian culture,” James Benavides, senior communications specialist for the institute, said in an interview.
The popular festival grew out of a festival at the San Antonio Museum of Art that began more than 25 years ago, he said.
What they thought would be a small event at that time drew a large community, he said.
So in 2000 the festival moved to the institute and now attracts about 10,000 people each year.
Tickets are $10 for ages 13 and older, $5 for children ages 6-12 and free for children 5 and under.
For more information, visit www.texancultures.com.