Boston, September 6, 2025, — As summer draws to a close and autumn begins to arrive, Massachusetts welcomes a historic moment. The 15th annual Asian American Day Festival, hosted by the Boston Asian American Association and title sponsored by Blue Ocean Realty, starts today from 10:30 AM in Boston Common. This year’s Asian American Day Festival is a significant occasion for cultural exchange and community cohesion.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kimberley Driscoll recently signed a citation declaring September 6th “Asian American Day” in Massachusetts. The citation also recognized the Asian American Association’s outstanding achievements in promoting diversity, fostering mutual understanding, and strengthening community unity through events like the Asian American Day over its 15-year history. This citation reflects the growing influence and presence of Asian Americans in Massachusetts society. For Boston’s Asian American community, this is both an honor and a responsibility.
The History of Asian American Day Festival
Back in 2011, the inaugural Asian American Festival was grandly held at the China Pearl Restaurant in Quincy, celebrating the anniversary of the Asian American Association. In 2016, the festival was held for the first time on Boston Common, where the Association’s Board of Directors first proposed the idea of ”Asian American Day,” ultimately leading to Governor Charlie Baker’s proclamation of Asian American Day in Massachusetts. The original design was thoughtful: it fell on a Saturday without impacting work schedules and required no legislative legislation, allowing community members to freely participate. The event, held in early September, coincided with the start of the new school year, with students and families returning to school and the city, creating a concentrated flow of people and ensuring broad participation from the youth community.
Guided by President of the Board Mr. Klysler Yen’s philosophy of “integrating Asian Americans and beautifying the community,” Asian American Festival has steadily grown. From its humble beginnings with a dozen or so booths, it has grown into a city celebration featuring over 80 booths, over 50 participating teams, and nearly 10,000 attendees. For fifteen years, it has witnessed the growth and development of the Asian American community and has become a vibrant part of Boston’s urban culture.
Highlight for the 15th Asian Aerican Day
This year’s Asian American Festival reaches a new height of scale. According to the organizing committee, over 50 teams will participate in the carnival parade, 37 stage performances will rotate, and over 80 booths will showcase services, culture, and food. This will be more than just a cultural feast, but also a community celebration that unites people.