Arizona’s first AZ Asian Cultural Festival to become an annual event

Key details: The two-day AZ Asian Cultural Festival was held at the Glendale Civic Center of the Art in Glendale, Arizona, on Saturday and Sunday.

With an aim to bring “together different parts of Asia under one roof,” the AZ Asian Cultural Festival showcased the different cultures of Asia as well as traditional costume performances, food and music.

A word from the mayor: Speaking at the opening ceremony on Saturday, Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers explained that they are hoping to “promote cultural exchanges between different regions” by holding the event, adding, “This is the original intention of our Asian Cultural Festival.”

He also announced that the Asian Cultural Festival will become a yearly event, according to Xinhua.

In a post on X on Saturday, Weiers said he “had a great time at the AZ Asian Cultural Festival today with new and old friends.”

Other details: Arizona has a total Asian population of 228,292 as of 2023, with the majority of whom, about 29,361 (10.78%), are living in Chandler, followed by Tempe, which has an Asian population of 15,369 (8.59%) and Gilbert, with 14,444 Asian residents (5.51%), according to HomeSnacks.

Meanwhile, Glendale sits at No. 8 with a total of 10,138 Asian residents, or about 4.13% of Arizona’s total Asian population.