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Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month and honor the immense contributions of Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders to our culture and society!

Saturday

1–31

May 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEAll of May

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYAsian Heritage

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Celebrate the rich history of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month on May 1st! This month-long celebration honors the many contributions and achievements that the AAPI community has made to our country. It is a time to recognize their struggles, celebrate their successes, and embrace their culture. From music to art to food, AAPI Heritage Month celebrates all forms of creativity and encourages us to continue learning about this vibrant culture. So let's take this opportunity to honor AAPI heritage and show our support for an inclusive America!

TIMELINE

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Timeline

Congressional Bills Introduced

Senators Daniel Inouye and Spark Matsunaga introduced resolutions to Congress to proclaim the first ten days of May as Asian/Pacific Heritage Week.

President's Proclamation of Heritage Week

President Jimmy Carter signed a Joint Resolution designating the annual celebration Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week.

Increased to a Month-Long Celebration

George H.W. Bush signed a bill passed by Congress to extend the Asian-American Heritage week into a month.

Perennial Celebration Enacted

A law permanently designating May of each year as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month was enacted.

Further Recognition and Naming

Due to growing demand, the official observance name was updated in successive years to Asian/Pacific Islander American Heritage Month then eventually to Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Watch a movie

Take some time to watch a movie that celebrates the culture of Asian American and Pacific Islanders, like Crazy Rich Asians or The Joy Luck Club.

ATTEND

Attend a cultural event

Look up cultural festivals in your area or online and attend one. Many cities host events where you can learn more about Asian American and Pacific Islander culture.

READ

Read a book

Read books written by authors from the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities or books about the culture. A great place to start is Julie Otsuka's novel, When The Emperor Was Divine.

EXPLORE

Explore a museum

Visit an Asian American or Pacific Islander museum to learn more about the history and culture. There are several museums located around the U.S.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer

Find local organizations that focus on helping the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, and volunteer your time and energy to help out.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is Important

It Inspires us to be Proud of our Culture

Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month inspires us to be proud of our culture. As members of the AAPI community,we can celebrate by attending cultural festivals, learning new recipes inspired by traditional dishes from Southeast Asian countries or simply reflecting on our own unique cultural identity.

It Recognizes the Diverse Communities

Asian American Heritage month is important because it recognizes and celebrates the many diverse communities in the US which are made up of people from East, South and Southeast Asia. It's a chance to learn more about their rich cultures and histories, as well as exploring shared experiences such as immigration, discrimination and resilience.

It Promotes Diversity & Inclusion

By celebrating Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) heritage, we can promote diversity& inclusion in our society. Many AAPI communities have faced racism and other forms of oppression, so it is essentialto recognize these communities for their contributions to society and work towards creating an environment where everyone feels safe and respected.

Related holidays

Indian Heritage Month

Honor the rich and vibrant culture of India this month by indulging in delicious cuisine, attending cultural events, and learning about its history.

National Heritage Month

Honor your roots and celebrate diversity during National Heritage Month with cultural events, delicious food, and meaningful discussions.

Ethnic Equality Month

Let's celebrate diversity and promote understanding during Ethnic Equality Month - because everyone deserves to be treated with respect and equality.

Celebrate Diversity Month

It's time to embrace diversity and celebrate all the wonderful cultures, beliefs, and perspectives that make our world a beautiful place!

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