Asian, Filipino, Spanish, Japanese and Polynesian cultures come to life, allowing Californians from all lands to celebrate the rich diversity that makes our state so unique. Here are a few festivals to experience…
PACIFIC GROVE: Feast of Lanterns July 26-30, 2017. No one knows if the Feast of Lanterns festivals were first celebrated hundreds of years ago in Japan or China or somewhere else in the ancient lands of our world, but these festivals of light continue as part of the international and national landscape.
LONG BEACH: Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival July 29-30. Dragon boats were traditionally made in the Pearl River Delta region of China’s southern Guangdong Province.
SAN FRANCISCO: August 12-13, Pistahan Parade & Festival Filipino cultural festival
SANTA BARBARA: Old Spanish Days Fiesta August 2-6, 2017 Hispanic culture
VENICE: Festival of Chariots August 6. Founded by an Indian who came to the U.S.
MONTEREY: Monterey Scottish Games & Celtic Festival August 5-6, montereycountyfair.com. Mayor Clyde Roberson is Honorary Chieftain. Sligo Rags is headliner band.
SAN DIEGO: Heiva San Diego-Solo Ori Tahiti Dance Competition August 5-6
SAN FRANCISCO: Nihonmachi Asian Street Fair August 5-6. Nihonmachi Street Fair features Asian artisans, performers, food, a muscle-car show and a children’s area. Location: Japantown. Cost: Free
SAN JOSE: San Jose Renaissance Faire August 5-6, English Renaissance
SAN MATEO: San Francisco Bay Area Aloha Festival August 5-6