In November 2025, Albany FASCA participated in the Festival of Nations hosted at the Empire State Plaza in New York Capital. The group showcased a vibrant cultural experience through performances, handmade ornaments, and traditional food. It was an extraordinary celebration of cultural exchange, joined by participants from more than 20 other countries. Their involvement highlighted not only Taiwanese heritage but also the hard work and dedication of minorities striving for recognition in the U.S. community. Through its presentation, FASCA introduced the beauty of Taiwan’s traditions to hundreds of visitors who expressed curiosity and admiration for Taiwanese culture.
FASCA students worked tirelessly on the performance and poured their efforts into the booths; they acted enthusiastically and helped gather major funds for Albany FASCA. FASCA students, along with members of the TAA-CDNY (Taiwanese American Association of Capital District in New York), assisted in promoting Taiwanese culture and introducing Taiwan to the American audience. The food booth sold a numerous amount of bubble teas, and the culture and crafts booth sold many handmade ornaments representing Taiwanese culture and support. Each ornament carried a story of heritage and symbolism, from the bright red paper cuttings to the intricate clay designs that mirrored the beauty of Taiwanese art. The teamwork between the students and community members truly embodied the spirit of unity and service. Their collaboration not only strengthened bonds within the group but also deepened their appreciation for the value of cultural pride and representation.
They also dressed up in beautiful traditional Taiwanese clothing and paraded around the building, raising the Taiwanese flag high and proudly. The students performed a baseball song, which was also the theme song for the 2024 WBSC Premier 12, where the Chinese Taipei national baseball team came out on top as first-place winners. The students worked for days, months before the Festival of Nations was held. They practiced relentlessly and were determined to put their best efforts into the final performance. Their dedication paid off; the audience applauded passionately, touched by the strength and pride conveyed through the song. It was not just a performance but a heartfelt tribute to Taiwan’s athletic spirit and cultural resilience.
Another highlight of the event was the performance of San Tai Zi (the Third Prince). The moment he appeared, he instantly caught everyone’s attention, and people across the venue eagerly gathered to take photos with him. FASCA students also created a poster introducing San Tai Zi and designed an interactive game that allowed participants to learn more about this beloved figure in Taiwanese culture.
A key part of the Festival of Nations was the Miss Festival of Nations pageant, in which Luen Lee proudly represented Taiwan. The event served as a meaningful platform to promote Taiwanese culture while showcasing confidence, heritage, and the vibrant spirit of Taiwan’s youth. Through her participation, Lee embodied the pride and enthusiasm of Taiwanese young people, demonstrating both cultural grace and heartfelt passion on the international stage.
This time, even the esteemed Culture Center of TECO-NY Director Yi-Ju Wang and the Assistant Director Yu-Chi Wang came from New York City to greet and see the wonderful operation. As Director Yi-Ju Wang says, “This event is very meaningful because it’s a platform of rich culture where the people of the TAA, FASCA, and Taiwanese heritage can use this opportunity to express Taiwan’s culture, food, art, and literature, so the audience in the United States can get to know the culture of Taiwan.” Their presence symbolized strong support from Taiwan’s cultural institutions and underscored the importance of cultural diplomacy.
As the event wrapped up, the laughter, music, and connections made reminded everyone that the Festival of Nations serves as a symbol of unity and pride for immigrant communities in Albany and beyond.
Reported by Ethan Chiu (Albany FASCA)
