2024 San Ramon Art & Wind Festival

On Sunday, May 26th, the 35th Annual Art & Wind Festival took place at Central Park in San Ramon. This festival, hosted by the city of San Ramon over Memorial Day weekend, is one of the East Bay’s largest events, featuring art and crafts, a wide variety of foods, cultural performances, kite-making, professional kite-flying shows, and family-friendly rides. Last year, around 40,000 people attended the festival. Hansamo performed Nanta, Samgomu, and Pangut this year again, bringing diversity and vibrancy to the event. The festival was bustling, with all five parking lots near the park almost completely full by Sunday afternoon. Students and parents gathered at 12:30 p.m., preparing their instruments and costumes. As they rehearsed on the lawn, curious spectators who recognized the Korean cultural elements began taking photos and engaging in conversation, filling the performers with pride and excitement—a welcome reward for the hard work and stress of final exams and hauling heavy instruments.

Hansamo’s performance kicked off a little after 2 p.m. Under the scorching sun, the Nanta team, dressed in thick, layered costumes, delivered a powerful performance that left a strong impression on the audience. The dance team was impressive as well, maintaining bright smiles throughout their routines, reflecting their professionalism in both their attire and choreography. The Pangut, which took place in a wide area in front of the amphitheater stage, was a highlight of the event. Thirty students moved in unison during the 12-minute routine, leaving the audience in awe. The up-close experience of watching the music, dance, and plate-spinning was a joyful gift from Pangut to the crowd. Despite the hard work of carrying and setting up instruments like the Samgomu and Nanta drums, Hansamo students and parents felt a deep sense of joy and satisfaction seeing the delighted faces of the audience.