SAN ANTONIO -- The UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures is observing the Lunar New Year with a festival.

Saturday, thousands packed the institute to take part in the annual Asian Festival. The daylong event celebrates the many rich cultures of Asia. Entertainment and food from China, to the Indian Sub-continent and the island nations of the Pacific were featured.

Organizers say the event is a fun way to educate visitors on various cultures.

"When you know somebody, when you get to know and appreciate them you understand that person, that is your neighbor and that's the lesson we are here to teach,” said James Benavides, UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures.

If you missed the festival, the institute features a Chinese and Japanese Texans exhibit all year long.