Filipino American History Month
October 1 - October 31
About Filipino American History Month
Filipino American History Month is observed throughout October across the United States, recognising the contributions, culture and long history of Filipino Americans. It was formally recognised by the United States Congress in 2009 and traces its roots to 8 October 1587, when the first recorded Filipinos set foot on the North American continent at Morro Bay, California. The month is a time for education, remembrance and celebration of one of the country’s largest Asian American communities.
The Story Behind Filipino American History Month
The history of Filipinos in what is now the United States stretches back further than many people realise. On 18 October 1587, sailors described in Spanish records as “Luzones Indios” came ashore from the galleon Nuestra Senora de Esperanza at Morro Bay on the central Californian coast. This landing, more than three decades before the Pilgrims arrived at Plymouth, is regarded as the first documented presence of Filipinos in the continental United States. A monument commemorating the event was placed at Morro Bay in October 1995, with the city’s mayor in attendance.
The observance itself owes its existence to the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS). The organisation’s founder, Dr Dorothy Laigo Cordova, and her husband, the historian Dr Fred Cordova, championed the cause of recording and honouring Filipino American history. In 1992, the FANHS National Board of Trustees passed a resolution establishing October as Filipino American History Month, choosing the month to mark the anniversary of the 1587 Morro Bay landing.
National recognition followed in 2009. The United States Senate passed a resolution recognising October as Filipino American History Month, and the House of Representatives followed soon after. That formal acknowledgement gave the observance a national platform, encouraging schools, museums, libraries and civic institutions across the country to mark the month each year. Since then it has grown into a widely observed celebration of heritage, resilience and contribution.
When and Where is Filipino American History Month Observed?
Filipino American History Month runs for the whole of October, beginning on Thursday, 1 October 2026 and continuing through Saturday, 31 October 2026. It is observed primarily in the United States, where Filipino Americans form a substantial community, but the month is also marked by Filipino diaspora groups elsewhere in the world. Celebrations are especially prominent in California and Hawaii, which are home to some of the largest Filipino American populations, although events take place from coast to coast.
Traditions and Ways Communities Mark It
Across October, Filipino American communities and institutions mark the month in a variety of ways.
- Cultural festivals – Towns and cities host fiestas featuring traditional music, the bamboo dance tinikling, and parades that showcase regional Filipino customs.
- Food gatherings – Community meals and pop-up kitchens introduce dishes such as adobo, lumpia, pancit and halo-halo to wider audiences, celebrating the central role food plays in Filipino culture.
- Museum and library programmes – Institutions mount exhibitions, talks and reading lists exploring Filipino American history, from the manong generation of early labourers to contemporary leaders.
- School and university events – Educational establishments run lessons, film screenings and student-led showcases that teach younger generations about their heritage.
- Recognition of veterans – Many events honour the Filipino and Filipino American soldiers who served in the Second World War, whose contributions long went under-recognised.
Ways to Get Involved in Filipino American History Month
There are many ways to take part, whether you have Filipino heritage or simply want to learn more.
- Read Filipino American authors – Explore works by writers such as Carlos Bulosan, whose book America Is in the Heart remains a landmark account of the early immigrant experience.
- Attend a local event – Check listings from FANHS chapters, museums and community centres for festivals, talks and exhibitions near you.
- Cook a Filipino dish – Try preparing a classic such as chicken adobo or pancit at home, and share it with friends and family.
- Learn the history – Read about the 1587 Morro Bay landing, the manong generation and the Delano grape strike, which Filipino farm workers helped lead.
- Support Filipino-owned businesses – Seek out local restaurants, bakeries and shops run by members of the community throughout the month.
- Watch a documentary or film – Many programmes and screenings highlight Filipino American stories during October.
- Share what you learn – Use social media to spread accurate information and amplify Filipino American voices.
Facts and Figures
- An estimated 4.6 million people in the United States identified as Filipino in 2023, according to figures published by the U.S. Census Bureau.
- Filipino Americans are the third-largest Asian origin group in the country, accounting for roughly 19 per cent of the U.S. Asian population.
- Around 1.6 million Filipino Americans, about 38 per cent of the national total, live in California.
- The first recorded Filipino landing in North America took place on 18 October 1587 at Morro Bay, more than 30 years before the Pilgrims reached Plymouth.
- FANHS first established October as Filipino American History Month in 1992; the United States Congress recognised it nationally in 2009.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Filipino American History Month?
It is an annual observance held every October in the United States to recognise the history, culture and contributions of Filipino Americans. It commemorates the first recorded arrival of Filipinos in North America in 1587 and celebrates one of the country’s largest Asian American communities.
When is Filipino American History Month in 2026?
It runs throughout October 2026, from Thursday, 1 October to Saturday, 31 October.
Why is October chosen for Filipino American History Month?
October was chosen because it marks the anniversary of 18 October 1587, when the first recorded Filipinos came ashore at Morro Bay, California. FANHS selected the month in 1992 to honour that historic landing.
Spread the Word
Share Filipino American History Month with your community using #FilipinoAmericanHistoryMonth and #FAHM2026. Whether you mark the occasion by attending a local festival, cooking a Filipino dish or sharing a piece of history, every bit of awareness helps keep these stories alive. If you enjoy learning about cultural heritage, you might also like Philippines Independence Day, which celebrates the nation’s freedom each June.
Related Awareness Days
- Philippines Independence Day – Marks the Philippines declaring independence in 1898 and is celebrated each 12 June.
- Filipino-American Friendship Day – Observed on 4 July to honour the bonds between the Philippines and the United States.
- Heritage and culture observances – October is rich with heritage months recognising communities across the United States.
Links
- Visit the official FANHS Filipino American History Month page
- Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com
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