2010 台灣文化節特刊
President’s Greetings
Welcome to the 2010 Taiwanese American Cultural Festival!
This Festival is sponsored by the Taiwanese American Federation of Northern California (TAFNC). Founded in 1973, the federation is a consortium of eight Taiwanese Associations in the San Francisco Bay Area. TAFNC is also closely affiliated with other numerous local Taiwanese community organizations. One of the primary purposes of TAFNC is to promote Taiwanese culture and foster intercultural exchange between Taiwan and the United States. In furtherance of this mission, TAFNC has convened the Taiwanese American Cultural Festival in the Bay Area during the month of May- Asian Pacific Heritage Month-since 1992.
Taiwan is an island located at the south-western rim of the Pacific Ocean.
The island has an area of 14,000 square miles and a current population of 23 million people. Taiwan has struggled through centuries as a colony of Dutch and Spain, as well as being ceded by the Ching Dynasty to Japan in 1895. Japan occupied the island for 50 years. Upon its surrender at the end of World War II in 1945, Japan relinquished its sovereignty over Taiwan.
Chiang Kai-shek and the Kuomingtang (KMT) occupied the island shortly thereafter. Less than two years later in 1947, between 20,000 to 40,000 Taiwanese leaders and intellects were killed in the “228 massacre.” The imposition of martial law by the KMT on the island – often referred to as the white terror – lasted almost forty years. The recently released Hollywood movie “Formosa Betrayed” recounts in dramatic fashion many of the historical events that occurred during the white terror in Taiwan.
With this Festival, we hope to introduce to our attendees Taiwan’s history, culture, and advancement in horticulture and high technology as a part of this year’s theme “Vibrant Taiwan.” Enjoy the multi-faceted displays in our exhibition booths, Taiwanese cultural songs and dances on the main stage, and feasting on traditional Taiwanese delicacies from the food booths.
Also, please remember to pick up some tourist information for planning your trip to the beautiful country of Taiwan!
Edward Huang President/Taiwanese American Federation of Northern California
Posted in 2015/07
