Celebration of Asian-American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month at Pacifica Square

A significant celebration took place at Pacifica Square shopping center in Aurora, marking Asian-American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The event, organized by Pacifica Square and the Global Friendship Exchange Foundation, was held at 4334 E. New York St. on Aurora’s far East Side.

As reported by officials, Pacifica Square is the largest Asian-centric shopping and lifestyle center in the U.S. It has been holding cultural celebrations since 2021, with this Heritage Month event being one of the largest.

The five-hour festival showcased various attractions, blending traditional and modern culture. Attendees enjoyed live performances, food contests, cosplay competitions, art displays, and music, along with interactive entertainment.

Judy Ni, director of real estate for the Windfall Group of Oak Brook, who developed Pacifica Square, emphasized the event’s focus. “The aim is to unite communities and cultures in celebration,” she stated. Ni highlighted May as a fitting time for the celebration, coinciding with Asian-American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

It’s a perfect time for people to come together and celebrate and also honor their heritage as well,” Ni said. “This is definitely something we want to continue to host to just keep that celebration and heritage together.

Raju Kumal, an Aurora shopper, joined the festivities spontaneously. “Witnessing the gathering, we decided to participate,” he shared.

The event saw participation from numerous community organizations and vendors on Saturday, May 30, 2026. Brett Day from Geneva was among those enjoying the offerings. “It’s pleasant for the community to experience new culinary tastes and engage with cultures they might not be familiar with,” he remarked. Day tried vegetarian food among various options.

This event continues to enrich the cultural tapestry of Aurora by allowing participants to explore, enjoy, and honor the diverse heritage and traditions of the Asian-American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.