Diwali is a festival of lights and one of the most widely celebrated South Asian holidays. In 2017, 2018 and 2019 in Maplewood, Diwali Fest NJ offered a distinctive and authentic experience of South Asia that reflected the tremendous artistic and cultural diversity of the region. The festival featured South Asian American dancers, musicians, chefs, writers, and artists, including Bollywood dancing. It also offered a sampling of a variety of regional cuisines from local South Asian restaurants and vendors who sold an eclectic mix of jewelry, clothing, and handicraft. There were also educational programs for children.
Lunar New Year is the beginning of the year according to the lunar calendar, and is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in Asia. Lunar Fest NJ 2018 in Maplewood was a grand celebration of Asian Arts and Culture. It offered distinctive and authentic experience of Asia that reflected the tremendous artistic and cultural diversity of the region. The event featured local Asian American dancers, musicians, chefs, writers, and artists.There were also plenty of activities for kids.
Be transported to the streets of Latin America with the 3rd annual Hola Fest NJ, a fun and safe event for the entire family. Enjoy flamenco, mariachis, samba and salsa dancing while also taking part in crafts for kids. The event will be outdoors and social distancing will be enforced. Bring your blanket and dancing shoes and get ready to enjoy a day where you will be immersed with Latinx culture.
In honor of the Asian American Pacific Island (AAPI) Heritage Month in May, we are excited to bring back in its third year — HAPI Fest NJ! This year, we will be celebrating it at The Woodland in Maplewood, New Jersey. We commemorate the festival with programming that celebrates AAPI cultures and their rich cultural traditions with Asian dance and music performers, activities, and food. Stay tuned!
Day of Dead/Dia de Muertx
Day of the Dead/Dia de Muertxs 2020 paid homage to our ancestors, those who died from COVID-19 and Black lives lost at the hands of police brutality. Originating in Mexico and celebrated throughout the world, the Day of the Dead is where family and friends gather to reflect on and pay tribute to loved ones who have passed on. The socially distant event featured altars, mariachi singers and indigenous dancers.