Pacifica Square shopping center in Aurora marked Asian-American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a grand celebration. Located at 4334 E. New York St. on Aurora’s far East Side, the center held the event on Saturday, hosted in collaboration with the Global Friendship Exchange Foundation.
Pacifica Square is known as the largest Asian-centric shopping and lifestyle center in the United States. Since 2021, it has been a venue for cultural festivals, and this particular celebration has grown significantly, becoming a key event in its calendar.
The five-hour festival featured various activities highlighting both traditional and modern aspects of culture. Visitors enjoyed live performances, food contests, cosplay competitions, art displays, and interactive entertainment. According to Judy Ni, director of real estate for the Windfall Group of Oak Brook, this was the sixth annual celebration at Pacifica Square.
“The event’s primary goal is to unite the community and share cultures in one place,” Ni remarked.
May is specifically dedicated to Asian-American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage, which added significance to the timing of the event. Ni emphasized the importance of recognizing and honoring cultural heritage through such gatherings.
Raju Kumal, a local resident, was present with his children and appreciated the opportunity to join the festivities spontaneously. Kumal remarked, “It’s excellent to have something like this, showing what we embody here in Aurora.”
Brett Day from Geneva attended the celebration and tasted various foods. He appreciated the chance for community members to explore and enjoy Asian cuisine. “I’m trying some vegetarian dishes and eager to explore more options from different vendors,” he shared.
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