How to Celebrate Asian Pacific Heritage Month Virtually
May is designated as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions and achievements of the AAPI community. In recent years, many celebrations have moved online due to the pandemic, making it easier than ever to join in the festivities from anywhere.
Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month Virtually
Here are some fun and creative ways to celebrate Asian Pacific Heritage Month virtually:
Virtual Film Festivals
Attend Virtual Events
Cook Authentic Asian Pacific Dishes
Listen to Asian Pacific American Music
AAPI Month Trivia
Virtual Film Festivals
Movies and films are a fantastic way to learn about different cultures and immerse yourself in the stories and experiences of people from around the world. The AAPI community has a rich and diverse film culture that is worth exploring during Asian Pacific Heritage Month. Many film festivals that were once held in-person have now moved online, allowing anyone to watch them from the comfort of their own home. This means that you don't have to be physically present to enjoy the latest films by Asian Pacific American filmmakers.
For example, the Asian American International Film Festival (AAIFF) is one of the oldest and most prestigious Asian Pacific American film festivals in the country. Every year, the festival showcases films from Asian Pacific American filmmakers, covering a wide range of topics and genres, including documentaries, dramas, and comedies. The festival also includes Q&A sessions with filmmakers and panel discussions with industry experts, providing audiences with a deeper understanding of the films and their themes.
Similarly, the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival is another great resource for those looking to celebrate Asian Pacific Heritage Month virtually. The festival features films by Asian Pacific American filmmakers from around the world, including shorts and feature-length films. The festival is also known for its innovative programming, which includes interactive experiences and immersive installations that showcase the latest trends in film and technology.
Attend Virtual Events
Throughout the month of May, many organizations and cultural institutions hold virtual events to celebrate Asian Pacific Heritage Month. These events provide a platform for Asian Pacific American artists, activists, and community leaders to showcase their talents, share their stories, and educate others about the history and culture of the AAPI community.
Virtual events can take many forms, including performances by musicians and dancers, panel discussions on topics related to Asian Pacific American identity and representation, and art exhibits featuring the work of AAPI artists. These events are often free to attend and open to everyone, regardless of their background or level of knowledge about the AAPI community.
To find virtual events in your area, check with your local community center or cultural organization. Many of these organizations will host events throughout the month of May, and they may also have resources and information about other events happening online. You can also visit the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center's website for a list of events happening around the country.
Some notable events include the Asian Pacific American Heritage Festival, which is held annually in New York City and features live performances, food vendors, and cultural exhibits. The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center also hosts a variety of virtual events throughout the month, including panel discussions and art exhibits.
Cook Authentic Asian Dishes
One of the most enjoyable ways to celebrate Asian Pacific Heritage Month is by cooking authentic dishes from Asian countries. It's a great way to connect with the culture and traditions of the region while also expanding your culinary skills. You can choose to cook a favorite dish or try something new from a country you've never explored before. Whether it's Chinese dumplings, Korean bibimbap, or Vietnamese pho, the possibilities are endless.
Cooking authentic dishes can be a fun and engaging way to explore the nuances of AAPI cuisine. You'll discover new flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques that you can incorporate into your own cooking. You may even find that you have a new favorite dish or cuisine that you would never have discovered otherwise.
To get started, there are many resources available online for finding recipes and inspiration. YouTube channels like Maangchi or Asian at Home are great places to start, as they offer a wide range of authentic and easy-to-follow recipes from across the region. You can also check out cookbooks from Asian Pacific American chefs and food bloggers, or browse online recipe collections from reputable sources.
In addition to cooking at home, you can also support Asian Pacific American restaurants and food businesses in your area. You can order takeout or delivery from your favorite local restaurant or try something new from a restaurant you've never visited before.
Listen to AAPI Singers and Artists
Listening to music created by Asian Pacific Americans is another great way to celebrate Asian Pacific Heritage Month virtually. Music has the ability to transcend language and cultural barriers, and listening to music from the region can be an enjoyable and enriching experience. You can explore different genres of music from various countries in the region, such as K-pop, J-pop, and C-pop, or discover traditional and contemporary music from other countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
Many AAPI artists have achieved international fame in recent years, making it easier than ever to access their music online. You can listen to music from popular K-pop groups like BTS or Blackpink, or discover emerging artists in genres like indie rock, electronic, and hip-hop. You may also find that you have a newfound appreciation for the music and culture of the region.
To get started, you can check out curated playlists on music streaming platforms like Spotify. Spotify has a range of playlists specifically curated for Asian Pacific Heritage Month that feature music from across the region. You can also follow Asian Pacific American artists and record labels on social media to stay up-to-date on new releases and upcoming events.
In addition to listening to music, you can also support Asian Pacific American musicians and artists by attending virtual concerts or purchasing their music online. Many artists have been impacted by the pandemic, and your support can help them continue to create and perform.
AAPI Month Trivia
Learning about AAPI history is an essential way to celebrate and honor the contributions of Asian Pacific Americans. By understanding the history and cultural significance of the region, we can deepen our appreciation of its diverse peoples and their achievements.
The Asian Pacific American Heritage Month website is a great resource for learning about AAPI history and culture. The website provides a range of materials, including lesson plans and activities for kids, that can help you explore the region's rich history and traditions. You can also find information on upcoming events and initiatives that celebrate AAPI heritage.
Trivia games are a fun and interactive way to engage with AAPI history and culture. Here are a few trivia questions to get you started:
1. Who was the first Asian American woman elected to Congress?
Answer: Patsy Mink
2. What is the significance of the Golden Spike in Asian American history?
Answer: The Golden Spike represents the completion of the transcontinental railroad, which played a significant role in the history of Chinese Americans in the United States.
3. Question: Who was the first Asian American to win an Academy Award for Best Director?
Answer: Ang Lee, who won the award for his film "Brokeback Mountain" in 2005 and later won the award again for "Life of Pi" in 2012.
AAPI Month trivia is a great way to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month at work because it promotes learning and appreciation of the contributions and experiences of the AAPI community. Engaging in trivia games encourages teamwork and friendly competition, making it a fun and interactive way to celebrate and educate colleagues about AAPI history and culture. By incorporating AAPI Month trivia into workplace celebrations, we can promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, creating a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees.
Host AAPI Month Trivia with Bar None Games
Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month virtually can be just as fun and meaningful as in-person celebrations. From attending virtual events to cooking authentic dishes, there are many ways to honor and learn about the contributions of Asian Pacific Americans. By taking the time to celebrate this important month, we can help to promote and preserve the rich history and culture of the AAPI community.
Looking to level up your AAPI Heritage Month celebration? Bar None Games can bring lively and competitive action to the party – you can choose from our AAPI-themed trivia package or our unique Celebration Games.
Our virtual trivia sessions run 60 minutes, and are the perfect add-on to your AAPI Heritage Month celebration. We also provide professional live hosts so even event organizers can play along if they wish. Over 3,000 companies have tested their knowledge through a Bar None Games trivia event, and we’d love to add your name to that list.