FESTAL: A Glimpse of China Highlights Traditional Movement, Music and Food

Seattle Center Festál: A Glimpse of China-Chinese Culture and Arts Festival, takes place 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday, May 20, in Seattle Center Armory. Over the years, this annual celebration has grown into an important platform for local community artists. In 2017, it offers tasty Chinese foods, artwork, crafts and tea tastings, along with traditional dance, painting and calligraphy to invite visitors of all ages to engage directly with this ancient culture.

A centerpiece of the Festival this year, Master Helen Liang, an award-winning artist originally from China, will perform a sophisticated form of internal kung fu call water boxing. More than 15 Chinese ensembles will present dance, music, wushu (a form of kung fu) and tai chi. This all-day event also offers interactive workshops on tai chi, Chinese dance, calligraphy, language and painting; and festival-goers will find sustenance in a variety of food trucks selling traditional Chinese foods including Roujiamo or meat sandwiches. This immensely popular street food in China dates to 221 BC during China's Qin Dynasty, and its concept and execution remain largely the same.

Now through the Festival, Armory visitors may pose for a selfie/photograph next to a life-sized terracotta warrior, on loan from Terracotta Warriors of the First Emperor, an enlightening, expansive exhibit at Pacific Science Center, now through Sept. 4.

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 A Glimpse of China-Chinese Culture and Arts Festival, visit www.chinaartandculture.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.

About Seattle Center Festál

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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