(This story is sponsored by Asian Canadian Special Events Association.)

Since 1990, TAIWANfest has grown to become the largest English/Mandarin bilingual cultural festival in Canada. The upcoming annual event is set to take place in downtown Vancouver from August 31 to September 2 (Saturday to Monday) and thousands of visitors are anticipated to attend.

Continuing with another exciting year of the Dialogues With Asia series, TAIWANfest 2019 will explore the theme of “Riding the Waves With Vietnam”.

The festival opens with an evening of symphony music conducted by renowned Canadian maestro Ken Hsieh.  The famous Ju Percussion Group of Taiwan brings its quintet edition of the song “Stunning Virtuosity” to headline the Saturday-evening concert with diverse inspirations in percussion from the East and West. Even if you don’t speak the language, you can feel  the rush of energy as the combination of rock and traditional Chinese percussion music drops.

On Sunday (September 1), Vancouverites will have the opportunity to experience Taiwanese rock sensation Sorry Youth in their performance entitled “Island Scream”.  Sorry Youth will be accompanied on-stage by two visual artists.

While you are at the festival for these amazing shows, make plans to take in some of the other experiences designed to reshape perceptions about Taiwan, Vietnam, and Canada. Don’t miss the Hope Talks or the performance by Taiwanese Indigenous musician Suana Emuy Cilangasay. And there will be a fashion exhibit called “Taiwan New DNA” that showcases how cultural influences are changing the country’s future designers.

Of course, those familiar with TAIWANfest know that it is also a great opportunity to sample some new culinary delights. Food always brings people together, and the Friendship Kitchen reveals the passion and devotion of the visiting chefs from Taiwan and Vietnam in addition to local chefs Tojo and Chi Le. The special cooking program will consist of a 30-minute demonstration and explanation, followed by a 60-minute class where they will guide students through the steps. Enter below for your chance to participate.

All events at TAIWANfest are free to attend and offer important and timely lessons on appreciating our own heritage and identities while celebrating others.

TAIWANfest 2019 takes place from August 31 to September 2 (Saturday to Monday) at various downtown Vancouver locations, including šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square, formerly known as the Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza, and Granville Street. To learn more, visit taiwanfest.ca/.