On the evening of May 19th, a bustling crowd gathered at Union Square Plaza in Somerville, Massachusetts for the inaugural “New England Hong Kong Festival.” The event, which took place from 4 pm to 8 pm, drew in a large number of visitors eager to experience the vibrant cultural showcase.
The festival featured a diverse range of cultural performances, interactive games, and an array of Hong Kong food stalls, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in both the traditional and modern facets of Hong Kong. Starting with traditional lion dances and martial arts demonstrations, the event also included performances of Cantonese songs and operas, providing the audience with a deep insight into Hong Kong’s rich cultural heritage. Additionally, there were cultural booths from organizations like the Boston Taiwan Film Festival Association and the “Boston One” dragon boat team.
Organized by the Somerville Arts Council in collaboration with various partners, the event not only highlighted Hong Kong culture but also promoted cultural exchange within the local community.
Mayor Katjana Ballantyne of Somerville sent representatives to the event, emphasizing the city’s support for multicultural activities and expressing pride in hosting such culturally significant events. The mayor not only thanked the organizers but also looked forward to continuing the city’s support for similar events to enhance community diversity and inclusivity.
Natalie, the head organizer of the inaugural “New England Hong Kong Festival,” expressed her hope that the event would bring together the Hong Kong community within Somerville to celebrate and promote Hong Kong culture. She also extended her gratitude to the Somerville city government, the Immigration Office, and the Arts Council for their support.
Natalie highlighted that the event aimed not only to celebrate Hong Kong but also to provide a platform for Cantonese speakers, local Chinese residents, Somerville residents, Asians, and anyone interested in Asian culture to connect and engage.
She emphasized that May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, making this event a fitting celebration to strengthen connections and foster a sense of community among Asian ethnic groups.
Originally scheduled for May 18th, the New England Hong Kong Festival was delayed by a day due to rainy weather. With the event’s successful conclusion, organizers and participants alike anticipate that this Hong Kong festival will become an annual cultural celebration that returns each year.