On September 27, 2025, the Asian Coalition of Tallahassee (ACT) hosted its annual cultural celebration, "Experience Asia 2025," at Tom Brown Park in Florida’s capital city. Thousands gathered to enjoy a full day of vibrant performances, cultural exhibitions, and culinary delights, making this one of the largest multicultural events in the region.
The main stage—complete with a showmobile and a secondary performance area—featured more than 25 live performances representing the diverse traditions of Taiwan, Japan, Korea, China, India, the Philippines, the Middle East, and the Pacific Islands. Spectators were treated to a colorful blend of traditional and contemporary acts, ranging from Taiko drumming and martial arts to Hawaiian hula and even a crowd-pleasing tribute to Elvis.
Adding to the event's prestige were distinguished guests such as Senior Expatriate Affairs Officer Steve Huang of the Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in Miami (TECO-Miami) and Deputy Consul General of Japan in Miami, Fumiyo Tsuda. Both delivered messages highlighting the importance of cultural exchange and international friendship.
A standout moment during the opening ceremony was the appearance of the Techno Prince Nezha, or Electronic Music Third Prince, a modern reinterpretation of a popular deity in Taiwanese folklore. The performance, led by Taiwanese student Shaka Li, was made possible by Paul Cordon, husband of former Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce of Miami President and current Chairwoman of the Fort Lauderdale–Kaohsiung Sister Cities Committee, Tina Wang Cordon. Paul personally transported the elaborate costume from Miami and trained the performer. He even joined the dance himself, energizing the crowd and hinting at the potential for more interactive performances in future festivals. The Cordons also announced plans to bring a custom-made Third Prince costume from Taiwan, specially designed for Tallahassee.
From South Korea, the Love Sharing Dance Troupe, also known as Hyesook Bang and Friends from Daejeon, captivated audiences with traditional Korean dances. Their participation was arranged by Nanhui Looney, representing Tallahassee’s Korean community, further emphasizing the global reach and grassroots engagement of the festival.
The Taiwan Booth, jointly organized by the Taiwanese American Association of Tallahassee (TAA) and the Florida State University Taiwanese Student Association (FSUTSA), offered an immersive cultural experience. Visitors explored Taiwan’s rich heritage through free magazines, national flags, tourism brochures, Formosa Bear tattoos, and interactive displays. The booth also served as a platform to advocate for Taiwan’s international recognition and participation in global institutions such as the United Nations, with support from TECO-Miami.
Art was another central feature of Experience Asia 2025. Florida A&M University’s Professor Nan Liu, of the Department of Visual Arts, presented a live demonstration of traditional Chinese calligraphy and painting, drawing both admiration and curiosity from festival-goers. Meanwhile, local WCTV news anchors Madison Glaser and Jacob Murphy emceed the event, ensuring a lively and well-paced program throughout the day.
Beyond entertainment, Experience Asia 2025 was a celebration of community, diplomacy, and cross-cultural understanding. It brought together leaders, artists, students, and families in a shared appreciation of Asia’s diverse traditions and contemporary expressions. The festival’s seamless blend of performance, cuisine, art, and advocacy highlighted the richness of the Asian and Pacific experience and its integral place within Tallahassee’s multicultural identity.
From the high-energy pulse of Taiko drums to the elegance of traditional Korean dance, from the expressive brushstrokes of live Chinese painting to the futuristic spectacle of Techno Prince Nezha, Experience Asia 2025 was a resounding success. More than just a festival, it was a living bridge between cultures—an event that celebrated diversity, fostered understanding, and strengthened the ties that bind local and international communities.
As Tallahassee looks forward to continuing this beloved tradition, Experience Asia remains a powerful reminder of how cultural celebration can inspire unity and global dialogue in a beautifully diverse world.
