Overview

The Los Angeles Public Library is set to host its third annual AAPI Joy festival, celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This free event will take place on Saturday, May 16, at the Central Library in Downtown Los Angeles, showcasing the rich diversity and traditions of AAPI communities.

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., attendees can enjoy a variety of performances, workshops, and cultural demonstrations, all centered around this year's theme, "AAPI Voices, Then & Now." The festival aims to highlight the stories and contributions that shape the cultural landscape of Los Angeles.

Key details

  • Date: Saturday, May 16
  • Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Location: Central Library, 630 W. Fifth St., Downtown Los Angeles
  • Event Name: AAPI Joy festival
  • Theme: "AAPI Voices, Then & Now"
  • Activities include performances, workshops, crafts, culinary demonstrations, and author talks
  • Festival highlights: lion dancers, Japanese dance performances, Korean fabric art demonstrations, lei making workshops, theater performances, crafts, and food-related cultural presentations
  • Special awards: Carlos Bulosan Book Club Awards honoring contributions to Filipino American literature and community activism
  • Scheduled speakers: Los Angeles City Councilmember Ysabel Jurado, Philippine Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz, and Philippine Vice Consul Levi Anthony B. Malaylay
  • Target audience: Families, artists, educators, performers, and community leaders
  • Festival's significance: One of the library's signature events for AAPI Heritage Month

Context

The AAPI Joy festival has become a notable celebration within the Los Angeles Public Library's programming, reflecting the importance of cultural recognition and community engagement during Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

What happens next