Madison Reporter

In a vibrant celebration of diversity, the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Festival took place at the Red Gym at UW–Madison, marking the commencement of APIDA Heritage Month in April. The event, themed "Ingredients, Identities, and Intersectionality," brought together participants who immersed themselves in various cultural activities.

Althea Dotzour captured moments of cultural exploration through her lens, showcasing the essence of the festival. Rebecca Ho and Sam Leong engaged in the art of calligraphy at the Chinese American Student Association table, while Sophie Zheng and Shreyanshu Dekate enjoyed a communal meal and practiced calligraphy.

First-year student Alyssa Lam added a touch of whimsy to the event by designing and distributing stickers featuring playful creatures. Plates of delectable food and intricate calligraphy samples adorned tables, adding to the sensory experience of the festival.

The Asian American Student Union organized an interactive activity where undergraduate Natalie Hua invited participants to hang wishes from an illuminated tree. The buffet, offering a diverse array of Asian dishes, delighted guests like Pamela Cruz, who indulged in the culinary offerings.

The spirit of creativity shone through as undergraduates Madison Xiao, Emily Ren, Mandela Leung, and Alejandro Hernandez crafted miniature food using modeling clay for a community art project. Multicultural Programming Intern Madison Xiao showcased her clay dragon creation, embodying the fusion of art and culture at the festival.

The APIDA Heritage Festival served as a platform for individuals to engage with different cultures, fostering a sense of unity and appreciation for the rich tapestry of traditions within the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American community.