Pictured above is the an annual cultural festival held on Bolsa Avenue in Westminster.  The event begins with young dragon dancers performing near the ABC Market, an incredible Asian-styled grocery store offering a mix of U.S. products and foods and unique items familiar to the Asian community. Take for instance, the little red packets sold as part of the New Year gift giving. This and most markets and shops burn incense and sport alters with items displayed such as celery, fruits and a loaf of uncooked bread for the New Year's celebration. Each item represents something desired such as good health, prosperity and the ability to follow through with projects in the upcoming year. If you've not seen a Tet celebration, it is one of the more colorful and lively events you can experience. The women in their colorful dresses are stunning in their beauty and the men rival their counterparts, wearing fine tapestries and silks from the Orient.

 

Once home to orange and lemon groves, this city now attracts perhaps  the greatest Asian population any place in the United  States. A visit to Westminster's Little Saigon is a trip to another land. Clothes, food and services cater to the needs of a unique audience with money to spend. Asian Gardens Mall is one of several shopping venues that offer Asian foods, clothes and an abundance of jewelry.

 

On a typical weekend, cars back up on Bolsa Avenue, waiting in line to park at the Asian Garden Mall and other shops of Little Saigon a cultural region which bridges two cities, Westminster and Garden Grove.  With the influence of Saigon, Cambodia, Thailand and Korean cultures, foods, spices and clothes plus services such as tax preparation, catering, tailoring, wedding planning, photography and more offer signage and service in native tongues with English also spoken.  The top floor of the Asian Garden Mall has become one of the best places to shop for Asian jewelry designs and popular jade. Locals will tell you that it pays to barter with vendors so don't hurry and purchase the first item you find. If you are in the market for something different, a visit to the 2nd floor of the mall is highly recommended.

 

Discover some of the fine cakes and pastries shops such as Lily's on Bolsa Ave. near the Asian Gardens. The French influence can be tasted and seen in gourmet breads, rolls and cakes which are some of the best anywhere.  Vietnamese, Cambodians, Koreans, Chinese and ethnic groups flock from miles around to this mecca. On a busy day, traffic is at a standstill as cars logjam their way into several malls and numerous shops. Annual festivals in Garden Grove commemorate Korean and Tet holidays.