PROGRAM

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SATURDAY CENTER HOUSE FLAG PAVILLION
February 20, 1999    
     
10AM - 11:30AM Opening Ceremonies  
     
12:30PM - 2:00PM   Children Cultural Show
     
3:00PM - 5:00PM   Youth Cultural Show
     
8:30PM - 1:00AM   Festival Ball: Da Vu
$25/ticket

 

SUNDAY CENTER HOUSE FLAG PAVILLION
February 21, 1999    
     
10AM - 11:30AM Knowledge Bowl - Semi-Final  
     
11:00AM - 1:00PM   Martial Arts Show
     
1:00PM - 2:00PM Knowledge Bowl Final  
     
1:30PM - 2:30PM Children Activities  
     
2:30PM - 6:00PM   Grand Cultural Show

In addition to our program, the Festival will feature:

Cultural Exhibits
Authentic Vietnamese Food
Festive Game Booths
Community-Based Service Booths

IN-DEPT PROGRAM EXPLANATION:

SATURDAY PROGRAM February 20, 1999

FLAG CEREMONY & PROCESSION: The three red stripes against the yellow background symbolizes three regions of Vietnam: North, Central and South Vietnam. The yellow color represents the land of mother earth.

DRAGON DANCE: The lighting of the Fire Crackers in conjunction with the Dragon Dance represent prayers for a beautiful harvest. The fearsome dragon with its long and uncontrollable tail is often guided by two villagers to chase away the evil spirit that might destroy the upcoming harvest season.

OPENING CEREMONY: Washington State public figures such as King County Executive Ron Sims, a representative from Senator Slade Gorton, a representative from Congressman Jim McDermott and many other officers will attend to recognize Tet In Seattle as an event that enhances the city of Seattle as a culturally diversed community. They will address local and international issues concerning the Vietnamese community as well as encourage a positive reinforcement of the Vietnamese culture.

BEST LONGEVITY WISHES TO OUR ELDERS: It is believed that it is crucial to start Tet in the right direction for it will determine the fortunes and misfortunes for the rest of the year. Young members of the extended family and friends pay respect to our elders by honoring best longevity wishes.

OFFERING PROSPERITY GIFTS TO CHILDREN: After the longevity wishes, elderly pass out "Li Xi" or lucky money to young relatives and friends. The money is often given in small denominations but in generous quantity in red envelop with the belief that luck and money will multiply.

CHILDREN IN VIETNAMESE TRADITIONAL DRESS: Meticulous care and preparations are given to celebrate the New Year as well as the rebirth of Spring. Houses are cleaned and repainted, old debts are repaid, and new clothes are purchased and worn. And no matter how rich or poor the individual family is each child will receive a new traditional outfit for the New Year which they parade for the elder to appreciate.

"AO DAI" SHOW: Young Vietnamese ladies charm the audience with their traditional and modern garments as they showcase the beautiful dresses as they walk the runway fashion parade and perform "boys meet girls" skits. The dresses portrays each part of the country; South, Central, and North Vietnam. This performance is part of the Youth Cultural Show on Saturday.

CULTURAL PERFORMANCES WITH ETHNIC COMMUNITIES: The festival continues to extend other to other Asian communities such as the Laotian and Cambodian to perform folklore dances and skits.

FESTIVAL BALL: Nationally recognized and contemporary Vietnamese musicians and singers welcome the New Year with a dancing party. Unique to this culture, you will see young Vietnamese dancing the classic cha-cha, rumba, tango, bepop, and waltz in addition to hip-hop music.

SUNDAY PROGRAM February 21, 1999

KNOWLEDGE BOWL: Vietnamese-American high school participants compete by answering various trivia questions regarding Tet. An example question is what does Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year) literally means? Answer: it means "the first morning of the first day of the new period."

MARTIAL ARTS PERFORMANCE: Part of the Vietnamese tradition during the New Year is to include the martial arts demonstration. These demonstrations are passed down from generation to generation.

GRAND CULTURAL SHOW: Musical grand event where folklore songs, comedy skits, and traditional dances take the stage of our most talented Vietnamese performers.

In addition to our entertainment program, the Festival will feature:

CULTURAL EXHIBITS: Art exhibitions including paintings and drawings, traditional musical instruments, photography, artifacts, crafts and flower arrangements are displayed throughout the festival.

AUTHENTIC VIETNAMESE FOOD: Chunks of roast pork and glutinous rice cakes wrapped in banana leaves symbolized the food of Tet. Coconut juice and soybean drink, peanut crunch candies, beef jerky on papaya shreds, and pho soups are various taste of Vietnamese food that you may like to sample.

FESTIVE GAME BOOTHS: Carnival games involving dice, cards and bottles are common for folks to enjoy during Tet. One such game involves a dice which you can bet for six different faces: vase, crab, fish, tiger, , and win various prizes.

COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICE BOOTHS: Social and health services provided to enhance the Vietnamese community.