2025 Asian American Pacific Islander and Native Hawaiian Heritage Month Celebrations Around the City
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month! It is a time to honor and uplift the generations of AAPI individuals who have enriched our nation’s history, culture, and communities. In Albuquerque, AAPI residents represent a wide range of cultures, languages, and traditions that continue to shape the vibrant fabric of Albuquerque.
Asian communities have long been part of New Mexico’s story. Chinese immigrants began to emigrate during the mid-1800s and played a key role working in mines and on railroads, as farmers, as laundry and store owners, etc. Vietnamese refugees made Albuquerque home starting in the 1970s, followed by immigrants and families from across the Pacific Islands, India, Korea, Japan, the Philippines, and other countries throughout Asia.
Today, AAPI residents are essential to Albuquerque’s civic, economic, and cultural life. From small businesses to public service, the arts, education, and healthcare, AAPI community members are leaders and changemakers. In 2020, Mayor Tim Keller announced a historic appointment of Thanh-Lan “Lan” Sena to the City Council District 1 seat. Sena was the first woman to represent the district, and the first Asian (Vietnamese) American to sit on the City Council.
To learn more about relevant history and entertainment, check out PBS' AAPI Programming!
Throughout May, the City of Albuquerque joins with local partners to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month through cultural events, performances, and community gatherings. See below for a list of events happening across the metro area.
May 3, 10:00am-3:00pm
2025 Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Festival
The event is included with paid Museum admission.
May 3, 11:00am-3:00pm
2025 Multicultural Arts Festival
May 23-25
SABAKU CON
May 30, 12:00-3:00pm
Asian Fest
May 31, 1:00-2:00pm
Van Hanh Lion Dance Performance - Summer Reading Kickoff