TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa’s biggest Asian American Pacific Islander cultural event took place Saturday.

The Mayor’s Asian American Pacific Islander Council hosted the Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Festival at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park with food, drinks and performances.

What You Need To Know

The Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Festival returned to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
It was hosted by The Mayor’s Asian American Pacific Islander Council 

The council took the festival over four years ago and it has doubled in size

Eighteen countries were represented at this celebration of AAPI culture and heritage

“It’s a way for me to connect with my culture and I believe that this is also a way for other Asian Americans to connect with their culture,” said Karina Jahrling, dancer.

Karina Jahrling is Filipina and she performed a Filipino folk dance that’s been passed down for generations. The now 18-year-old has been dancing since she was five. 

“Growing up, I didn’t see a lot of people like me. Our culture wasn’t really shown in the world, especially here in America,” Jahrling said.

That kind of representation is growing at the festival. The Tampa mayor’s Asian American Pacific Islander Council took over the festival four years ago. At the time, 10 countries were represented, and that has now grown to 18.

(Spectrum News/Randy Levine)

“We seek out representatives from each Asian country and then some. So, we want to make sure that there is equal opportunity for you to represent your country,” said Mariben Andersen, chair of the Tampa Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Festival.

The number of vendors also more than doubled. There were 40 vendors originally and on Saturday, there was about a hundred showing off food, drinks and crafts.

“It’s about you being your authentic self and that we all belong to the Tampa Bay community and everyone is welcome. This is a family event,” Andersen said.

It’s a family event that’s grown to show many different cultures, including Jahrling’s.

“This festival is a landmark, it shows we are striving for more representation, showing how our culture is being brought into America,” she said.

While there were many different cultures present, Andersen said it’s about coming together to celebrate as one community.

Andersen said there are openings on the council. The positions are appointed roles.