Filipino American History Month is observed in October every year to mark the anniversary of the first recorded evidence of Filipinos in America. Filipino Americans are the second-largest Asian-American community in the U.S., and are the third-largest racial group in California. Their contributions to our country are exemplary and their achievements are recognized and celebrated throughout this designated month.
History of Filipino American History Month
Filipino American History Month or FAHM, is celebrated annually in October, commemorating the arrival of the first Filipinos in modern-day Morro Bay, California in the United States on October 18, 1587. Filipino-Americans were known as Luzones Indios back then, and they were primarily the Filipino sailors who were enrolled into the Spanish navy as native laborers during the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade. From the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Esperanza, they arrived at the shores of present-day Morro Bay, California. Following years of campaigning and advocacy by both the civil society and organizations, the Filipino American National Historical Society established Filipino American History Month in 1992. In 2009, Congress recognized the month of October officially as Filipino American History Month in the U.S.
Filipino American History Month timeline
Filipino immigrants arrive at Angel Island, San Francisco.
Filipinos serving in the U.S. Armed Forces become eligible for applying for U.S. citizenship.
A new act allows Filipinos to get married to personnel of the U.S. Armed Forces.
The board of trustees of the Filipino American National Historical Society declares October 1992 as the first observance of Filipino American History Month
Filipino American History Month FAQs
Why is Filipino American History Month celebrated?
Filipino American History Month appreciates the history and legacy of Filipinos living in the United States.
What is the theme of Filipino American History Month?
There is no specific theme for celebrating Filipino American History Month, but the celebration is significant and celebrated zealously.
What day is Filipino American Day?
Philippine–American Friendship Day is celebrated on July 4 every year.
How to Observe Filipino American History Month
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Honor the Filipino Veterans from World War II
Learn about the experiences of Filipino veterans during World War II and the struggles they faced in its aftermath.
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Discover Filipino-American artists
Many prominent Filipino-American artists have left their mark on American culture. See their great works in art, music, literature, and more.
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Celebrate Filipinos in America
Join in the celebrations of the Filipino-American community with parades, songs, festivals, and feasts!
5 Facts About Filipino-Americans That You Don’t Know
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The second-largest group in the U.S.
Filipino-Americans make up a large part of the Asian-American population in the United States.
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The largest Asian-American group in some states
Out of 50 states, Filipino-Americans are the largest group in 11 of them.
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Filipinos were the first to be documented
Filipinos were the first documented Asian people to arrive in the United States.
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Many of our favorite celebrities are Filipino-Americans
Many Hollywood celebrities are Filipino-Americans, including Nicole Scherzinger and Vanessa Hudgens.
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Many have served in World War II
A quarter of a million Filipino-Americans are veterans of World War II.
Why Filipino American History Month Is Important
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Celebrating the Filipino-American community
It’s as simple as that. This whole month is dedicated to celebrating the Filipino-American community, as we should!
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Celebrating diversity
One of the reasons why America is the great country it is is because of its diversity. We celebrate this diversity and Filipino-American History Month is one such celebration.
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Recognizing the achievements of Filipino-Americans
The outstanding contributions of Filipino-Americans to not only our country during wartime, but also in arts, culture, and entertainment is celebrated throughout the month.
Filipino American History Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | October 1 | Saturday |
| 2023 | October 1 | Sunday |
| 2024 | October 1 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | October 1 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | October 1 | Thursday |
