2026 asian festival
EDUCATION & DEMONSTRATORS
education EXHIBITORS
- Filipino American National Historical Society San Antonio - Learn to play Sungka, a Filipino board game, and how to write Baybayin script calligraphy (Phillipine script). The San Antonio chapter of the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) aims to promote understanding, education, enlightenment, appreciation and enrichment through the identification, gathering, preservation and dissemination of the history and culture of Filipino Americans in the United States. We have been educating the San Antonio community about historical figures like Larry Itliong and other Filipino farmworkers who started the 1965 Delano Grape Strike and hosted the first known public screening of "Delano Manongs: Forgotten Heroes of the United Farm Workers Movement" (Marissa Aroy, 2014). We also hosted screenings of the history of how San Antonio Filipino Americans were reacting to the People Power movement during a photo exhibit about Philippine Martial Law, a historical marker for Filipino-American migration and movement. Ever wonder how Filipino American History Month came to be? It was the lobbying work of members and friends of FANHS, which began observing Filipino American History Month in 1991. FANHS was founded by early pioneers Fred and Dorothy Cordova.
- Institute of Texan Cultures - Hands-on origami horse crafting paired with stories of Texas Asian American history and community impact. Learn about our new museum and upcoming exhibitions that explore the diverse histories, cultures, and stories that shape Texas and AAPINH communities. Then, join a short, hands-on paper-folding activity to create a simple horse form and add a word or phrase that connects it to Texas, or your own story.
- Japan America Society of San Antonio - Japanese Calligraphy & Origami. Since its inception in 1985, Japan America Society of San Antonio (JASSA) leads to connect cultural and business communities in San Antonio with those in Japan through diverse grass roots exchange activities, aims to further enhance the friendships between Japan and San Antonio, and disseminate to the world the diverse and intrinsic values of San Antonio.
- LEAD Filipino - Civic leadership programs, Filipino American community organizing, and on-site voter registration. LEAD Filipino is a national nonprofit organization focused on advancing the civic engagement, health equity, and grassroots action of Filipina/x/o and broader AAPI communities. Established in 2015, the organization operates in Silicon Valley, California and through chapters in San Antonio and Las Vegas. Rooted in our mission, we create systems and provide programs that combine art, culture and power building to support our community in building civic pipelines, political knowledge, and economic development initiatives.
- Raindrop Foundation San Antonio - Exploring Turkic culture and heritage through traditional artifacts and complimentary food tastings. Raindrop Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering intercultural dialogue, mutual understanding, and community engagement through educational, cultural, and social initiatives. The foundation organizes programs, festivals, and service projects that bring diverse communities together and promote respect, collaboration, and shared human values.
- San Antonio Bonsai Society - Art and History of Bonsai. Established in 1973, the San Antonio Bonsai Society is dedicated to promoting the art and enjoyment of bonsai through education and community participation. The society hosts a variety of workshops, demonstrations, and shows to help enthusiasts of all skill levels master the cultivation of miniature trees.
- San Antonio Chinese Alliance - Health Education and Calligraphy Demo. The San Antonio Chinese Alliance (SACA) is a nonprofit, non-religious, and non-political community organization dedicated to charitable and educational initiatives. SACA serves as a platform for health education, supports the integration of immigrants into U.S. society, fosters community harmony, and works to reduce tensions and combat discrimination in neighborhoods and workplaces. Additionally, SACA is committed to preserving and promoting folk arts and cultural heritage. These goals are achieved through organizing and sponsoring a diverse range of social, cultural, educational, musical, sports, recreational, and business events for both SACA members and the broader San Antonio community.
- San Antonio Film Festival - Showcasing local Asian American filmmakers and diverse Texas cinema. The San Antonio Film Festival (SAFILM) is a premier cinematic event dedicated to supporting independent filmmakers and bringing high-quality cinema to the local community. For over 30 years, the festival has provided a platform for both established and emerging artists to showcase their work, fostering a vibrant film culture in San Antonio through screenings, workshops, and networking opportunities.
- San Antonio Museum of Art - Museum catalogs, coloring pages and zines, plus giveaways with exclusive tour raffle opportunities. The San Antonio Museum of Art showcases 5,000 years of global history, featuring a comprehensive Asian art wing with significant Chinese ceramics and works from Korea, India, and Japan.
- San Antonio Public Library - Explore library resources, AAPI books, and media with free swag and cultural activities. The San Antonio Public Library serves as a vital community resource hub, offering a rich collection of books, digital media, and programs that celebrate diverse cultures. At the festival, visitors can explore curated AAPI literature, learn about free library services, and enjoy cultural activities designed for all ages.
- San Japan - Origami and traditional Japanese Toy Demos. San Japan is a fan-run organization that hosts the largest annual anime and gaming convention in South Texas, fostering community appreciation for Japanese animation, music, and pop culture through immersive events and education.
- Taiwan Center for Mandarin Learning - Calligraphy and Origami. Learn more about Taiwan's traditions, history, culture, tourism, technology, and Mandarin learning in the community.
DEMONSTRATORS
- Anuja SA - The Art of Traditional Rangoli. Learn the cultural significance of Rangoli, a traditional Indian floor art created with colorful powders, and participate in a hands-on demonstration.
- Eric Vasquez - Traditional Erhu Music and History. Explore the history of the Chinese Erhu, a traditional two-stringed fiddle, and experience a live performance of popular melodies.
- Filipino American National Historical Society San Antonio - Filipino Folk Tale Readings. Experience the oral traditions of the Philippines through readings of folk tales that explore cultural values, heritage, and ancestral stories.
- Hula Halau Ohana Elikapeka - Hula: Storytelling Through Movement. Learn how Hula serves as a visual language to preserve Hawaiian history and join in a workshop to practice basic storytelling movements.
- Karilagan Philippine Cultural Group, Inc. - Tinikling, the National Dance of the Philippines. Explore the history of this rhythmic bamboo dance and join the demonstration to learn the fundamental footwork and coordination.
- Mira Matcha - How to Make Matcha. Learn the technical foundations of Japanese Matcha preparation, from the history of the green tea powder to the proper use of the bamboo whisk.
- Ojas Tasker - Documentary Screening of "From Railroad to Rising". This film explores AANHPI history in Texas, examining the impact of the Chinese Exclusion Act, Japanese American internment, and the resilience of Asian American communities.
- Raindrop Foundation San Antonio - Ebru: Traditional Turkish Water Marbling. Observe the full preparation of Ebru, including the preparation of the water-based surface and the application of natural pigments to form patterns using traditional brushes and styluses.
- San Antonio Lion Dance Association - Chinese Lion Dance. Discover the historical origins of the lion dance and participate in a demonstration to learn how movement brings the lion to life.
- Yaping Harris - Chinese Tea Ceremony. Discover the history and mindful practice of the Chinese tea ceremony, focusing on the traditional tools and methods used to prepare and serve tea.