With two events on May 4, Newton kicked off Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, which is celebrated throughout May.
AAPI Boston Marathon Route Relay
The New England Chinese American Alliance, in collaboration with local organizations including the Chinese American Association of Newton (CAAN) and the Newton Running Club – Niu ManMan, orchestrated the third annual AAPI Marathon Relay on the morning of May 4. Over 100 runners participated in relaying along the iconic Boston Marathon course, from Hopkinton to Newton’s Heartbreak Hill to the Boston Common, traversing eight towns enroute and carrying a message of ‘civil rights.’ The ceremonial gathering in Newton took place on the steps of Newton City Hall, attended by Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller and former City Councilor Amy Sangiolo. Michelle Luo, Chair of CAAN, said in her address, “The relay run serves as a symbolic representation of the challenges, endurance, and perseverance of the AAPI community. Through collective effort, our community can achieve remarkable outcomes and make significant impact.”
Taiwan Day 2024 in Newton Highlands
The 15th Annual Newton Taiwan Day festival took place in Newton Highlands. The event began with a singing of the National Anthems of the U.S. and Taiwan with a ceremonial flag raising, followed by the ever popular Dragon Dance and Parade down Lincoln Street.
After the parade, the Dragon returned to the Hyde playground to sample some of the amazing food offered in over 40 food and craft stands and to be entertained by drummers and dance troupes from Taiwan and the Boston area.
Newton Taiwan Day is supported by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Boston (TECO), which represents the interests of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in five New England States: Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Remarks were offered by TECO’s Director Charles Liao, Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, MA State Rep. Donald Wong, Boston City Council President Ed Flynn, Hyde Director John Rice, and Rosemary Yee, the President of the Chinese Community of New England.
The hundreds of attendees enjoyed a very well organized Taiwanese Cultural Festival, perfect weather, and the tulips in the Hyde Garden, for which TECO and the Hyde Community Center are major supporters.
Barbara Darnell contributed reporting on the Newton Taiwan Day celebration.
