The 16th Annual Honolulu Festival, scheduled for March 12-14, has the theme "Pacific Harmony" and the subtheme "Discovery Through Traditions."

The theme reflects the festival foundation's goal of sharing the cultures of the Pacific region with Hawai'i residents and those visiting from around the world, according to a release from the organizers.

The Honolulu Festival, once an event focusing on Japanese and Hawaiian culture, has expanded to include representatives from throughout the Pacific, including Australia, Tahiti, the Philippines, the Republic of China (Taiwan), China, South Korea and the U.S. Mainland.

Alaska Native performers joined in the 15th Honolulu Festival.

Participation by a variety of local ethnic groups has also been increasingly featured.

More than 5,000 participants from Japan and other Pacific Rim countries are expected to come to Honolulu to take part in the festival.

Venues will include the Hawai'i Convention Center, Ala Moana Center and Waikiki Beach Walk.

The festival is supported by the nonprofit Honolulu Festival Foundation.

Find out more online at www.honolulufestival.com.