Asian-American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month was celebrated in a big way Saturday at Pacifica Square shopping center in Aurora.
Pacifica Square and the Global Friendship Exchange Foundation hosted the celebration at the shopping center at 4334 E. New York St. on Aurora's far East Side.
Pacifica Square is the largest Asian-centric shopping and lifestyle center in the country, officials have said.
The shopping center has been hosting cultural celebrations since 2021, and the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration has grown into one of its biggest events, Pacifica officials have said.
The five-hour festival on Saturday featured a variety of attractions honoring both tradition and modern culture, including live performances, food contests, cosplay competitions, art, music, interactive entertainment and more.
Judy Ni, director of real estate for the Windfall Group of Oak Brook, which developed Pacifica Square, said this was the sixth annual celebration at the shopping center and that the focus of the event is “to bring the community and cultures together in one place to celebrate.â€
Ni noted that May is Asian-American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, making it a good time to host a celebration.
“It's a perfect time for people to come together and celebrate and also honor their heritage as well,†Ni said. “This is definitely something we want to continue to host to just keep that celebration and heritage together.â€
Raju Kumal of Aurora was shopping with his children at the mall on Saturday and decided to join in on the celebration.
“I was here at the shopping center and saw all the people and we decided to wander over,†he said.
“As far as someone offering this, I think it's wonderful,†Kumal said. “This reflects what we have here right now (in Aurora).â€
Brett Day of Geneva enjoyed sampling some food at the Saturday event.
He said the celebration is a great idea because “it gives the community an opportunity to come out and people that are not familiar with the Asian community they can try some of their food. I'm trying some vegetarian food and I'm good to try some more from the other food trucks.â€
David Sharos is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News
