Music, the smell of food from the parking lot, two live stages, learning about a new culture, and being surrounded by families just like yours coming together for the new year — this is exactly what to expect on February 25, 2023 at the Tacoma Dome, thanks to the Asia Pacific Cultural Center.
Each year since 1997, there has been a different host country either from Asia or the South Pacific that is the center focus of the Annual Asia Pacific New Year Celebration. This means that this amazing tradition is now officially 25 years old! This year’s host country is Samoa. The festivities will start at 11am and finish at 6pm. While at this event, you can enjoy over 100 different vendor booths with clothing, jewelry, arts and crafts, and food.
Free entry into the Tacoma Dome will allow you to see cultural entertainment on two different stages which includes martial arts, singing, and dancing. This host country will teach you about their culture through clothing, food, traditions, and other immersive experiences. About 8,000-10,000 people visit the new year celebration every year along with 30 to 40 dignitaries who also attend.
When Faaluaina Pritchard, the Executive Director, was asked about her favorite part of this event, she said, “It is very diverse. There are lots of families enjoying the different cultures. I love that you cannot leave without learning something. The minute you walk through the door it is a completely immersive experience in a different culture. You see it. You hear it. You smell it. It is a great event for families.”
Whether it is experiencing a culture you already enjoy, or learning about a culture for the first time, celebrating the lunar new year with APCC is an event you won’t want to miss. Teaching your kids about a new culture as well as learning for yourself is a great way to get to know your neighbors and get outside your daily routines.
Challenge yourself to attend, try a new food, learn something at one of the information vendors, and enjoy some cultural entertainment. Family-oriented new experiences are so important to the community. We can’t wait to see you there!
Asia Pacific Cultural Center
asiapacificculturalcenter.org
BY KATE ROSSMAN