By Stephanie Barnes

In recent years, Columbus, Ohio, has become a new home for immigrants from all over Asia. In light of this, it makes perfect sense for our city to host a festival dedicated to celebrating and showcasing the beauty and rich cultures of Asian cultures – the Asian Festival. The 29th Asian Festival was held on Saturday, May 27 and Sunday, May 28, 2023 at the Franklin Park on East Broad, Columbus.

In Central and throughout Ohio, Asian Americans have immigrated throughout the continent, but most come from Southeast and East Asia, especially India, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

People from all races and nationalities could be found at the festival enjoying the shows, art, and history. The food was significantly in demand, with some lines reportedly requiring over an hour to purchase food from one of the many trucks or stalls.

Luckily, the wait was shorter at vendor stalls, and I could buy a stunning pair of faux ruby chandelier earrings from SE fashion vendor, Square Pinwheel.

Some shows of note included a troupe of Hawaiian dancers whose hips were accentuated by native foliage. It showed how the leaves wiggled and jiggled along with the skilled hips of the graceful dancers and actors dressed in elaborate Hindu god and goddess costumes whose faces were painted dramatically so that to the audience, they appeared to be wearing masks.

Although the play was conducted in their native dialogue, it was evident from their pantomime that one of the gods killed another, and the fallen god was later revived.

All of the performers performed with their gorgeous golden headdresses and striking makeup made them seem genuinely more significant than life. When you go to the Asian Festival in 2024, know there is far too much to see and do, but it’s all good fun, and pack a parasol.

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