“When admiring other people's gardens, don't forget to tend to your own flowers.”

Cross-Cultural Works is a community non-profit behind the Diwali Fest NJ, the festival of lights most widely celebrated South Asian holidays;  Lunar Fest NJ, the beginning of the year according to the lunar calendar; Hola Fest, celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, and the HAPI Fest, celebrating the AAPI Heritage Month. The organization supports and celebrates the rich cultural diversity of the South Orange and Maplewood, New Jersey community, and beyond.

Lunar New Year is the beginning of the year according to the lunar calendar and is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in Asia. Lunar Fest NJ is a grand celebration of Asian arts and culture. It offered a distinctive and authentic experience of Asia that reflected the tremendous artistic and cultural diversity of the region.

Diwali is a festival of lights and one of the most widely celebrated South Asian holidays. Diwali Fest NJ offered a distinctive and authentic experience of South Asia that reflected the tremendous artistic and cultural diversity of the region. The festival featured South Asian American dancers, musicians, chefs, writers, and artists, including Bollywood dancing.

Be transported to the streets of Latin America with the annual Hola Fest NJ, a fun and safe event for the entire family. Enjoy flamenco, mariachis, samba, and salsa dancing while also taking part in crafts for kids.

Holi is an ancient Indian festival that celebrates Spring and New Life, the victory of good over evil, and above all LOVE in all its forms and expressions. During the festival, people throw colored powder at each other and participate freely in all the resulting fun and frolic.

May is Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month – a celebration of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States. This site is a collaborative project of the Library of Congress and the National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Maplewood Division of Arts & Culture organizes and facilitates performances and cultural activities throughout the Township of Maplewood, New Jersey. The mission of the Division of Arts & Culture is to foster a creative community of artists and organizations, enhancing the quality of life for residents of Maplewood by ensuring that artistic and cultural experiences are inclusive and accessible to all.

SOMA Cross-Cultural Works is a partner of Make Us Visible NJ, a coalition of students, parents, educators, legislators, professionals, and New Jersey community members advocating for a thoughtful and comprehensive inclusion of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) studies into K-12 curriculum for New Jersey public schools.

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ. 

Since 1856, Seton Hall University has been a place where leaders learn. When Bishop James Roosevelt Bayley founded Seton Hall, he envisioned a home for the mind, the heart, and the spirit—one that recognizes the dignity of all, welcomes each student fully and treasures their gifts.

Today, Seton Hall University celebrates a diverse tapestry of ideas and perspectives that enrich the dialogue and academic discussion in the classroom. 

Columbia High School Asian American Student Alliance is an organization open to all high school students of all ethnic backgrounds. As a club, we learn, explore, and welcome diversity, volunteer in the community, and share our culture with others.

Explore cuisines of the world from Southern Asia to Latin America to the Caribbean with this amazing cookbook that truly captures the rich diversity of South Orange and Maplewood, NJ. This multicultural cookbook with recipes from locals of various backgrounds will bring the world of food to your family kitchen. Proceeds support our mission to educate our community about our rich cultural diversity.