94-02-26 Asiafest Begins With Vietnamese-Style New Year

ASIAFEST BEGINS WITH VIETNAMESE-STYLE NEW YEAR

       CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., Feb. 26 -- University of Virginia
students will mark the celebration of Tet, the Vietnamese new year,
by holding a party for the local community.  Fashion shows, skits,
music, traditional dancing and food will fill the March 5 program
organized by the U.Va. Vietnamese Student Association.
       The party, or "Tet Show," will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. at the
Albemarle County Office Building auditorium, 401 McIntire Road.  It
is part of a three-month Asian festival sponsored by several
student organizations at the University.                       
       Authentic Vietnamese dishes available during the show's
intermission will range from egg rolls and steak shish kebab to
fried noodles and desserts.
       While the Tet Show is free and open to the public, donations
are requested.
       Tuyen Do, president of the Vietnamese Student Association
(VSA) said, "The event will not only provide a traditional cultural
experience, but also will show the blending of Vietnamese and
American perspectives."
       For example, he said a skit placing the American game show
"The Love Connection" in Vietnam will offer the Vietnamese-American
point-of-view.  
       Other Asiafest activities include the Korean Expo '94, March
1 through 5; the Chinese Student Association's Moviefest on March
25; Barrio Fiesta, March 26, sponsored by the Organization of Young
Filipino-Americans; and India Day on April 17.
       According to Do, the Vietnamese portion of Asiafest was
planned "to confirm that Vietnamese students are at the University
not only to study and learn, but to contribute to the community and
generate a greater understanding of what it means to be
Vietnamese."
                                             ###
                                                                         
February 25, 1994
       FOR MORE INFORMATION about the Vietnamese events, contact
Tuyen Do at (804) 243-0436.                   
       

[Submitted by: Karen A. Castle  (kac@uva.pcmail.virginia.edu)
               Mon, 28 Feb 94 11:01:37 EST]