Find out how you can attend the Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Festival

New Mexico is filled with cultural history that runs deep within the state, and The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History is hosting an event to celebrate that diversity.

In partnership with the Sandia National Laboratories Asian Leadership Outreach Committee, the museum will host the 28th annual Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Festival.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 3, the museum will be filled with members of the Asian American Pacific Islander community who want to share their culture with the world.

“Here at the museum, we have several cultural exhibits that deal with parts of history that are unfortunate, and I think that the groups that came together just wanted to celebrate the culture of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islander individuals and recognizing the importance of their contributions to science and history here at the museum,” said Bernadette Robin, director of communications at the museum.

“In conjunction with that, in the month of May, we have our heritage banner series that features scientists and astronauts of Asian descent,” she added.

Over 15 groups will be represented at the event, from the Japanese floral art form ikebana to traditional Chinese lion dancing.

“This is a wonderful event that covers everything from traditional dances from different groups including the Albuquerque Chinese Happy Dance group, Hawaiian dance performances from Ha’Aheo O Hawai’i Hula, Hindu dance troupes, and we also have BK Taiko drums, which is one of the most stunning parts of the event because those drums just resonate right in your chest,” Robin said.

With Asian culture as the heartbeat of the event, visitors can enjoy traditional food samples from Talin Market, or try a meal from Umami Moto food truck.

For those who want to actively participate, there will be a Chinese origami table. There will also be a calligraphy demonstration, so guests can learn how to write Chinese characters.

“I think it’s important for us to continue these kinds of activities, whether it be through this event or our heritage month banners ... I think it’s really important for us to continue doing this so we create a much more inclusive and welcoming environment for people who come to the museum and this event,” Robin said.

“Whether you’re part of this community or not, it generates that sense of community and belonging,” she added.

The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History to host Asian American Pacific Islander festival