Each year as the weather grows cooler, New Mexico celebrates East Asian culture with the traditional Japanese Fall Festival, Aki Matsuri.
This occasion originated in Japan as a way to show gratitude to the gods for a successful harvest. The celebration was also believed to bring blessings to the community.
The New Mexico Japanese-American Citizens League (NMJACL) brought their own rendition of this gathering to Albuquerque over twenty years ago. Since then, it has continued to grow into the beautiful culturally blended festival we see today!
The theme for this year is “Takumi: The Way of Japanese Craftsmanship,” focusing on various beautiful art forms and processes. There will be live music, dancing, singing, art exhibits and plenty to eat! Beer and sake tastings will be available, as well as food trucks and Japanese cuisine. More event info can be found here on the NMJACL website.
Aki Matsuri has been a cultural supplement to the Albuquerque area for several autumn seasons. This year, it will take place on Sunday, September 17, 2017 between 10am and 5pm at the National Hispanic Cultural Center. Tickets are $5 for adults and can be purchased online. Children 12 years or younger will have free admission.
ABQ-Live will have a booth at the event as well. So stop by and say hi! Join us in this special celebration of our community.
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