Mayor Chu attends the Multicultural Family Fair
New Taipei City Government hosted the 2012 Multicultural Family Fair today at Jinhe Park, Zhonghe. Mayor Chu was present at the event, saying he was happy that children could see New Taipei City as a big family embracing different cultures from the world.
According to Chu, there are currently eighty-five thousand immigrants from 120 countries living in New Taipei City. If their children are also counted in, it will make the immigrant number roughly 120000 and New Taipei City the largest immigrant city in Taiwan. Therefore, the city government has been paying much attention to immigrant policies and trying to help them blend in with locals through various cultural, educational events and social welfare services.
After finishing his speech, Mayor Chu went around every stand to greet citizens. Many avid citizens asked to took picture with him.
There were a total of 49 stands at the fair today, all presenting the theme of “ethnic toys”. In addition to showcasing various traditional toys in their countries, some stands also sold their groceries and cuisines.
Also at the fair were presented the “2012 Immigrant Culture Show Excellent and Honors Awards”; there were 44 Excellent Award winners and 64 Honors Award winners. Gu Chunhua, the Mandarin Chinese & Hokkien Singing Contest dual champion as well as an immigrant from mainland China, sang on stage today. Immigrant students from Xinpu Elementary School and Xinzhaung Junor High School brought their dance performances on stage as well.
According to Education Department, the show “Multicultural Drama Train” will start tour in New Taipei City and have its premiere on June 27 at Zhonghe Elementary. There will also be other events such as the water splashing festival and immigrant culture shows in future. Interested people may refer to the website at http://www.new-inhabitants.ntpc.gov.tw/