The 2025 AANHPI Heritage Festival
Hosted by the New England Chinese American Alliance (NECAA), is honored to be a part of the MA250 commemorative events.
With the theme “Breaking Barriers, Building Bonds,” this year’s festival echoes the founding ideals of equality and justice, while looking boldly toward the present and the future. Our mission is not only to overcome linguistic and cultural divides, but also to dismantle prejudice, misunderstanding, and isolation. We aim to build not just platforms for cultural exchange, but lasting bridges of mutual understanding, trust, and solidarity among all communities.
Photo from 2024 AAPI
The 2025 Festival centers on four key pillars: Alliance, Heritage, Leadership, and Participation, and proudly presents the following highlights:
🏃♂️ I. Passing the Torch: Multi-Town Relay Run — “From MA 250 to America 250”
The relay will officially launch at Lexington High School at 11:15 AM, following the town’s AAPI 5K race. Runners will pass through Arlington Center and Anderson Memorial Bridge, ultimately arriving at Boston Common. The route is divided into three legs, each approximately 4.5 miles.
This long-standing festival tradition symbolizes both the generational legacy of the AAPI community and the close ties between Massachusetts towns. In 2025, NECAA has also supported local AAPI-themed 5K races in Belmont, Newton, and Lexington.
The relay pays tribute to Boston’s most iconic race — the Boston Marathon — while highlighting the spirit of perseverance, unity, and collective strength. Together, we run to build bonds and forge alliances.
🎪 II. Cultural Roots: Youth-Led Cultural Showcase
All performances on the Boston Common stage will be presented by AAPI youth, offering a colorful and diverse cultural experience. Audiences will enjoy traditional and contemporary performances, including Chinese classical dance, martial arts, and lion dancing, as well as Indian Bharatanatyam, Filipino tinikling, and Korean pop dance.
NECAA is committed to nurturing cultural pride and identity among young people, and having an entirely youth-led performance lineup is a signature feature that distinguishes this festival from others.
🎙 III. Voices of Inspiration: AAPI Teen Community Leader Speeches
This year’s festival will feature a special “Youth Community Leader Speech” segment, honoring outstanding teens who have made meaningful contributions in public service and civic engagement.
These selected student leaders from across Massachusetts will share personal stories of their community work and leadership journeys — powerful, authentic narratives that will inspire their peers to get involved, give back, and take initiative in building a stronger, more inclusive society.
🤝 IV. Collective Impact: Nonprofit Community Showcase
Dozens of nonprofit organizations from across Massachusetts will host booths, showcasing their efforts in community development, cultural education, and public service. This live exhibition not only reflects the festival’s theme of “alliance,” but also provides a tangible platform for cross-cultural, cross-sector collaboration — a vivid demonstration of the strength and cohesion within our communities.
📣 You are warmly invited to be part of every unforgettable moment:
Whether you’re cheering along the relay route or celebrating with runners at the finish line…
Whether you’re applauding youth performers or listening to powerful stories from teen leaders…
Whether you’re engaging with nonprofit booths or connecting with others who share your values —
Your presence is the most meaningful support for a diverse and unified community.
⏰ Date: Sunday, May 25, 2025
📍 Location: Parkman Bandstand @ Boston Common
We look forward to seeing you at this vibrant celebration for and by the community!
Photo from 2024 AAPI
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