As the demographics in Philadelphia continue to shift and our population grows with immigrants, it is a great time to learn about and celebrate how Asian Americans and the Asian Pacific American communities enhance the city’s cultural identity.
Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month broadens the understanding of the multitude of cultures and diversity present in the Asian American community. Cultural celebrations matter — because they provide opportunities to showcase the culture and history of Asian Americans in Philadelphia.
This month, you can take part in the celebrations with a series of performances, artwork, a community fair, and even a fashion show at City Hall.
Philippine Tapestry Fashion Show
Wednesday, May 16| 6p.m. — 7:30 p.m.
Courtyard, City Hall
The Mayor’s Commission on Asian American Affairs (MCAAA) is partnering with the Philippine Department of Tourism to host a fashion show in collaboration with the iconic Philippine fashion designer Renee Salud. The show features various facets of Filipino heritage through indigenous fabrics and weaves of major regions of the country. The event gathers stakeholders and community members to build awareness about the Filipino culture and the strong community here in Philadelphia.
Asian Pacific American Heritage Festival
Saturday, May 19 | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Mifflin Square, 6th and Ritner
The Pan Asian Association of Philadelphia celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with the 12th annual Asian Pacific American Heritage Celebration! The all-ages fest takes place at Mifflin Square this year and includes arts and crafts, a health fair, and live music — all completely free of charge.
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Exhibition
Wednesday, May 2 – Friday, June 1, 2018
Art in City Hall, Mayor’s Office, 2nd Floor, City Hall
The Mayor’s Commission on Asian American Affairs (MCAAA) in collaboration with the Asian Arts Initiative and Twelve Gates Arts is pleased to partner with the Office of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy to present an impressive group of Asian American artists. The work, on display normal business hours in City Hall’s second floor corridor outside the Mayor’s Office, highlights the direct and subtle influences of race and ethnic experience on cultural expression.
Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival
May 1 – June 30, 2018
Franklin Square, 200 6th Street
The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival is a celebration of light and culture that features artisans from China and the Philadelphia region showing off dazzling, illuminated works of art. Admission is free during the day, and tickets are available for attendance after 6 p.m. each night.
