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Discover Rituals and Traditions at Tibet Fest

Centuries-old stories, rituals, foods and melodies link an ancient culture to modern times at Safeco Insurance Festál: Tibet Fest – Tibetan Cultural Heritage, Aug. 22 – 23, Noon – 6 p.m., in Center House at Seattle Center.

Tibet’s ancient and modern history is woven through Tibet Fest, which preserves and presents centuries-old cultural traditions with artwork, dance and discussions of the Tibetan people. Handmade arts and crafts, prayer flags, a Tibetan bazaar, children’s activities and traditional foods highlight Tibetan rituals and customs. Symbolic masks, ancient movement and expert speakers illuminate the culture’s foundation in Buddhism.

Special guests and activities this year include:

·         The Tibetan Cultural Group of Toronto. The first ever recipient of the North American Tibetan Cultural Contest, the group comes from a city known for its excellence in Tibetan cultural performances.

·         Newly learned songs and dances and an exhibit of costumes worn by people from different regions of Tibet presented by Seattle Tibetan Weekend School.

·         Tibetan movie screenings hosted by Stewart and Susan Rose. The films include: Seven years in Tibet, Cry of the Snow Lion, Leaving Fear Behind and recently released Dalai Lama Renaissance.

·         The art of making and eating “Tsampa,” roasted barley flour that traditionally is the staple diet of the people of Tibet.

Did you know? Nawang Khechog, born into a nomadic family in Eastern Tibet, practiced as a monk for 11 years and studied Buddhist philosophy and meditation under the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and other Tibetan masters.  Khechog lived as a hermit, meditating in solitude in the Himalayan foothills for several years.  He is considered to be Tibet’s foremost world music composer and musician, internationally esteemed for his original compositions and collaborations with an impressive mix of world artists. His latest CD, “Tibetan Meditation Music,” hit number nine on the Billboard charts.  Khechog is self-taught and plays a wide range of instruments.

Join us at Safeco Insurance Festál 2009 and become a culture carrier (someone who contributes to cultural understanding through the sharing of stories, songs, music, food, and family traditions). This festival is produced by Seattle Center in partnership with the Tibetan Association of Washington. For more information on Safeco Insurance Festál and other Seattle Center programming, click on www.seattlecenter.com.