Iranian Festival Features West Coast Expressions of an Opulent and Influential Culture

Seattle Center Festál: Iranian Festival, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 12, in Seattle Center Armory, is dedicated to cultural awareness and education. This year, the festival focuses on the people and cultural innovations of Iran. Underscoring a history of "unity in diversity," festival performances, lectures, poetry, dance workshops, face painting and cuisine provide a glimpse into this artistically opulent and expressive culture.

A remarkable line-up of entertaining and educating activities presents participants from up and down the West Coast. Two Iranian American female authors will lecture on their writing and advocacy, Mariam Khosravani, founder and president of the Iranian American Women Foundation based in Irvine, Cal., and Zohreh Ghahremani of San Diego, Cal. Performance highlights include: renowned Kamancheh player and composer Mehdi Bagheri; Vancouver Pars National Ballet, a professional ballet dance group focused on traditional folklore performance based out of Canada; and California-based violinist and composer Farzam Fattahi.

Festival-goers may purchase Persian food, tea and pastries, and they may choose from many handmade items available for sale at the Iranian Bazaar. Iranian American chef and award-winning cookbook author Najmieh Batmanglij will offer a cooking demonstration and book signing. Interactive activities include an all-ages calligraphy workshop by local artist Ali Rohfar and a children's area with drawing/painting, face painting and arts and crafts.

In 2017, Seattle Center Festál celebrates 20 years of global music, dance, art, crafts, history, food and insight presented through a unique partnership among community organizations and Seattle Center. Festál provides a stage and platform for them to share their traditions, accomplishments and artistic expression. Festál events captivate and enlighten festival-goers as they experience the distinct cultures that shape the character and course of our broader community.

Seattle Center Festál is a program of Seattle Center Productions. Admission is free-of-charge. For more information on Iranian Festival, visit www.iaca-seattle.org, and to learn more about this collection of ethnic cultural events and other Seattle Center public programming, visit www.seattlecenter.com or call 206-684-7200.

This illuminating series of 24 ethnic cultural festivals on weekends throughout the year seeks to connect people in ways that build understanding, dispel stereotypes and generate pride among the generations who participate in these shared experiences. Seattle Center Festál is produced with the generous support of KUOW 94.9 Public Radio, Coca-Cola, Alaska Airlines, T-Mobile, Wells Fargo, The Boeing Company, NW Folklife, 4Culture and ArtsWA. Additional support is provided by the City of Seattle and Seattle Center Foundation.

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