By: Ellen Rodriguez-Swing
CERRITOS, CA — The inaugural Flores de Mayo – AAPI Heritage in Bloom will bring a fresh and meaningful twist to the traditional Filipino celebration of Flores de Mayo by incorporating the beauty, diversity, and cultural pride of the broader Asian American and Pacific Islander community.
The free community celebration will be held on Sunday, May 31, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM at Don Knabe Community Regional Park, located at 19700 Bloomfield Ave., Cerritos, CA 90703.
This special event is sponsored by Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which is recognized and celebrated throughout Los Angeles County and across the region every May.
While Flores de Mayo is traditionally rooted in Filipino faith, culture, and heritage, this inaugural celebration expands the tradition by welcoming the participation of various AAPI communities. The event will highlight the shared values of family, faith, cultural pride, friendship, and unity among Asian and Pacific Islander communities.
The celebration is especially meaningful in Cerritos, a city known for its strong and vibrant Asian American community. With approximately 60 percent of Cerritos residents identifying as Asian, the event reflects the city’s rich cultural diversity and its deep connection to the broader AAPI community.
A major feature of the day will be Santacruzan: A Cultural Bridge Between Cerritos and San Carlos, Pangasinan, which will also recognize the growing sister city relationship between Cerritos, California, and San Carlos, Pangasinan, Philippines. This cultural bridge celebrates friendship, heritage preservation, and people-to-people connections between the two communities.
The event is expected to bring together families, community leaders, cultural organizations, civic partners, and dignitaries. Among the invited dignitaries are Honorable Adelio Cruz, Consul General of the Philippines, and Honorable Dr. K. J. Srinivasa, Consul General of India, reflecting the international and multicultural spirit of the celebration. City officials from Cerritos and neighboring cities are also expected to attend, showing regional support for AAPI Heritage Month and community cultural exchange.
Different cultural groups will also participate throughout the day, showcasing the richness of the AAPI community through tradition, representation, and fellowship.
The day will begin with the Carsilog Car Show at 9:00 AM, followed by the Procession of Reynas at 11:00 AM. Guests can also enjoy cultural presentations, music and entertainment, food booths, merchandise vendors, and community gathering throughout the day.
Cerritos Mayor Lynda Johnson shared her inspiration for the inaugural celebration, stating:
“Cerritos is proud to be home to one of the most diverse and vibrant Asian American communities in the region. Flores de Mayo – AAPI Heritage in Bloom is a beautiful way to honor Filipino tradition while also celebrating the many cultures that make our city and region so special. This event reflects the spirit of friendship, unity, and cultural pride that brings our communities together.”
Event Details
What: Inaugural Flores de Mayo – AAPI Heritage in Bloom
Feature: Santacruzan: A Cultural Bridge Between Cerritos & San Carlos, Pangasinan
Date: Sunday, May 31, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Carsilog Car Show: 9:00 AM
Procession of Reynas: 11:00 AM
Location: Don Knabe Community Regional Park
19700 Bloomfield Ave., Cerritos, CA 90703
Admission: Free and open to the public
The event is presented in partnership with Los Angeles County Parks & Recreation, San Carlenian Organization of Southern California (SCOSCA), Pangasinan Brotherhood USA (PBUSA), Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Cerritos (FAC3), Carsilog, and Noble Creations.
For more information, please contact Donna Mejia at donna@addressers.com or (562) 335-0845, or Sue Ann Tumakay at tumakays@gmail.com or (209) 338-7474.
Through this inaugural celebration, Flores de Mayo – AAPI Heritage in Bloom aims to honor Filipino tradition while celebrating the broader AAPI community that continues to shape the cultural fabric of Cerritos and Los Angeles County.
