Culture

Culture

Art and Culture

Across East and South East Asia is a rich mix of ethnic groups throughout each country, all brining their own influences to the cultural mosaic that is Asia. Religious and belief systems blend to influence the art, literature, music and dance, while craftsmen maintain old customs through their handiworks.

External influences are evident throughout the region as visitors from afar have been arriving in Asia for hundreds of years. The major religions arrived from various sources hundreds of years ago and more recently the colonial powers brought with them various aspects from education to coffee.

Throughout Asia the extended family unit is all important with ties binding even the most distant relatives. This strong bond ensures religious and other beliefs are maintained. Despite all the modernity now obvious across Asia, people still continue their way of life especially in rural communities where change moves at a slower pace.

Visitors to Asia will witness an incredibly rich variety of cultural experiences through the many festivals, events and performances that fill the calendar. There is always something to see as each country has its own set of yearly events to tantalize the visitor. For some, just to sit and watch locals doing what they do every day is enough to whet the appetite. But there is no place like Asia for richness, variety and colour when it comes to culture and this is reflected in the myths and legends, art and craft, cuisines and music maintained by Asian cultures.