By Michael Li
It was a sultry afternoon on Penn Ave. Tents were assembled side to side on the asphalt road, hanging colorful flags and showing off vibrant signs. Not a single car passed through that street; at least not for the duration of such a special occasion. T’was the day of the Chinese Cultural Festival at the heart of Washington DC. T’was also the day for volunteers at their own tent, ready to attract passerby living in DC and outside tourists alike.
The Chinese Cultural Festival on September 2 invited dancers, singers, restaurateurs, calligraphy enthusiasts, go players, martial artists, and even the Chinese ambassador. Such diversity in the various sub-cultures of China necessitated variety in activities and entertainment at the Festival. For one, the largest and most prominent attraction was the vivid red stage, a platform for speeches, dances (with a fair amount of acting), and songs. Numerous groups performed in traditional clothing, ready to sing tunes of their culture.
Nevertheless, hungry visitors would have to stop by for a place to eat, as this Festival was teeming with all types of cuisine. There was the iconic Peking roast duck, chicken teriyaki, la mein, beef kebabs, and even a Korean BBQ.
Additionally, there were plenty of activities too, such as the aforementioned calligraphy and go, as well as shirt painting and statue making. Around the halfway point of the Festival, delegates took to the stage to address visitors of the festival, preceding with singers of both the Chinese and American national anthems.
All in all, the 21st annual Washington Chinese Cultural Festival represented (and will continue to represent in the years to come) the connection of cultural ties between the Americans and Chinese. By showcasing Chinese culture in the center of the US, this event bridges the gap between two unalike traditions.
华府青年 CYOC 