On a breezy spring Saturday, the shores of White Rock Lake came alive with rhythm, color and culture as the Bath House Cultural Center hosted the annual Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Festival. What stood out about the AAPI Festival was the spirit of community, regardless of background or heritage. Everyone who attended became part of a larger celebration. The event offered a rich celebration of Asian-Pacific cultures, bringing together communities across the Dallas-Fort Worth area for a day of performances, food and festivities.
The festival began with boat races on the lake that continued throughout the day. Across the park, the stage hosted a variety of traditional performances representing the diverse cultures of the Pacific rim. Dancers from Indonesia, India, China, Hawaii and many others captivated the audience with graceful, energetic routines, each reflecting centuries of cultural tradition.
Behind the stage, rows of food stalls and vendors offered culinary delights and handmade crafts. Attendees explored everything from Filipino snacks and Indian street food to Chinese dumplings and Pacific Islander souvenirs. The booths reflected the festival’s inclusive mission – to represent the entirety of Asia and the Pacific and not just the most recognized cultures.
Visitors shared in the joy of music and cultural stories, other than their own, that were welcomed with open arms. The day was less about differences and more about connection, unity and appreciation.
Attendee, Camilla Colorado, a high schooler from Dallas, noted the emotional connection she felt watching the performances.
“I don’t know what it’s called, a specific dance performance, but at my church, during supper, they do this type of dance where they wear scary masks to represent the devil and show how they’re defeating it. It kind of reminded me of that. It was powerful,” Colorado said.
She also found familiar elements of her own heritage represented in the vendor area.
“They were selling headpieces that reminded me of Mexico. We make and sell things like that, colorful shoes, painted plates and cups. It felt very similar to how we express ourselves artistically,” she said.
When asked what she learned from the experience, Colorado said, “I feel like most Asian dancers use dance to tell stories. There’s a lot of movement. Expression. It’s not just performance, it’s culture.”
For many young performers, the event was more than just a show, it was a way to connect with their roots.
The festival aimed to educate as much as entertain, creating a space where attendees could learn about traditions they may not have encountered before. With performances representing both widely recognized and lesser-known cultures, the AAPI Heritage Festival at White Rock Lake served as a vibrant reminder of the United States’ cultural richness. By giving space to voices from across the Asian continent and Pacific Islands, the festival not only honored heritage but also fostered understanding, community, and unity among people of all backgrounds.
