Student Experience
Inaugural night market celebrates AAPI and SWANA heritage
The Asian American, Pacific Islander, Southwest Asia and North African (AA/PI/SWANA) Heritage Night Market created a vibrant, welcoming space for all students to celebrate culture, connect with community, and showcase diverse talents.
Students from Bayanihan sell lumpia at the inaugural AAPI and SWANA Night Market. Photos by Sam Dechaine.
Lumpia, kimbap, baklava, musubi, and spring rolls were just a few of the foods that filled the Quarry Amphitheater for the inaugural Asian American, Pacific Islander, Southwest Asia, and North African Night Market on May 2. The event, hosted in collaboration between four campus entities, brought together over 1000 students, staff, faculty, and community members for an evening of cultural celebration featuring live performances, student vendors, and vibrant community connection.
The Asian American & Pacific Islander Resource Center (AAPIRC), the Women’s Center, the Community Unified Student Network (CSUN), and the Kuya-Ate Mentorship Program (KAMP) co-hosted the event in celebration of AAPI Heritage month.
“This night was made possible through deep collaboration with our campus partners and student leaders, and it truly reflected the heart and effort of our communities,” said AAPIRC Director Caz Salamanca. “It was a joyful celebration of culture, identity, and solidarity, and we’re excited to continue creating spaces like this that uplift and connect.”
Featuring 32 total offerings across food, student vendors, activities, and tabling, the event transformed the Quarry Amphitheater into a lively hub of cultural exchange and community engagement. Vendors included crochet art and clothing, handmade jewelry, henna art, and more. Throughout the evening, the night market spotlighted AAPI/SWANA identifying performers. The lineup included performances from Anakbyan, Haluan Hip Hop, Raas Rangeela, StarChrome, and Astellium.
The night concluded with a special performance by Mii, a DJ and R&B vocalist who traveled from Japan to join the event. Following her set, attendees eagerly participated in a prize raffle featuring a variety of giveaways, including collectible figurines, passes to the upcoming SacAnime convention, Squishmallows, and the grand prize—an iPad.
“We’re truly grateful to be able to provide a space like the AA/PI/SWANA Heritage Night Market for our students,” Salamanca said. “Being able to offer this space allows students to express themselves authentically, connect with others who share their heritage, and feel seen and valued on campus. Events like this strengthen our community and remind us all of the power of representation and belonging.”