Albany FASCA volunteers gather for a group photo, dressed in traditional Taiwanese indigenous attire at the Festival of Nations.
Members of Albany FASCA Chamber Ensemble and Taichijian group worked tirelessly in preparation for their musical performance on stage.
FASACA members assemble to parade through the Empire State Plaza, showcasing their Taiwanese culture to the community.
Children of various cultures gather in awe at the Taiwan culture booth’s Pinball Machine.
Members of FASCA Albany and the Taiwanese American Association of Capital District New York (TAA) participated in the Festival of Nations, hosted at the Empire State Plaza in New York Capital, on November 1, 2026. The annual event brought together diverse cultural communities, coming from an impressive 27 nations, to celebrate their heritage and promote cultural exchange. Through traditional music, cultural performances, and native foods, Albany FASCA and the TAA introduced Taiwanese culture to local audiences, showing the proud dedication of Taiwanese-American youth to their heritage.
FASCA members diligently ran the Taiwanese cultural booth along the festival’s hallway, offering visitors opportunities to explore Taiwan through interactive activities, meaningful trinkets, and delightful crafts. Children in particular greatly enjoyed playing the Pinball Machine, a traditional marble game commonly found in Taiwanese night markets. A crafts station invited visitors to engage in a hands-on origami fish craft, as various novelties representing Taiwanese culture, such as colorful bags, keychains, and postcards, were up for sale, drawing visitors from all backgrounds to learn more about Taiwan.
The food stand further contributed to Taiwan’s success in the festival’s lively atmosphere through the sale of bubble tea, extremely popular with community members present. FASCA students worked tirelessly at both stations, demonstrating impressive teamwork and enthusiasm, as they happily interacted with the public. Their supportive behavior with each other carried tthe sense of unity between the bonds of Taiwanese heritage as friendships were fostered and joyous memories made.
A major highlight of the festival was a musical performance by the FASCA Chamber Ensemble, which presented two songs, the melancholic “Ju Hua Tai” (菊花台) about fading memories, and the innocent “Bang Tshun-hong” (望春風), telling a story of falling in love. The latter performance was paired with a traditional Taiwanese sword dance, Taichijian (太極劍), joining the instrumental music with the movements and artistry of traditional Taiwanese martial arts. The combination offered an engaging opportunity for the public to recognize Taiwan’s diverse talents, which the FASCA performers worked tirelessly for weeks to perfectly execute and confidently showcase.
The cultural parade also brought great joy to the public. Along with other nations, Taiwanese youth, dressed in the vibrant clothing of traditional Taiwanese indigenous tribes, walked the building, honored to be displaying the pride for Taiwan. The parade was led by Hana Chang, who represented Taiwan in the Miss Festival of Nations pageant. Chang beautifully represented Taiwan with her enthusiasm and gratitude for her culture, passionately elevating Taiwanese representation on the international platform through her participation.
Participation was“a meaningful opportunity to share Taiwan’s cultural heritage with the local community,” a TAA member stated. “generations actively participate in preserving Taiwanese traditions is especially gratifying.” Similarly, Luen Lee, President of FASCA Albany, eagerly reflected on her experience helping at the festival. When asked about her favorite part of the event, Lee shared, “I would say volunteering with my friends selling bubble tea was very fun. I love how I got to spend time with my friends while helping promote Taiwan culture.” Their perspectives highlight how volunteer service extends beyond cultural promotion, allowing individuals to strengthen relationships with each other and develop a greater sense of community through shared experiences.
The collaboration between FASCA members demonstrated just how significantly cultural events can bring individuals together through both service and cultural pride. All smiles and laughter as the 2026 Festival of Nations drew to an end, the Taiwanese participants packed up their booths. The participation of Albany FASCA and TAA demonstrated how Taiwanese heritage can be shared across generations and cultures, strengthening connections within the local community of Albany in a meaningful cultural exchange.
Reported by Melissa Yang (Albany FASCA)
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