International Mother Language Celebration
A yearly celebration of linguistic diversity where San Jose's multilingual communities come together through art, dance, and storytelling. Since its founding, this event has created space for hundreds of young artists and performers to explore how language shapes identity and connects us across cultures.
Where Language Becomes Art
An annual celebration honoring the mother tongues that shape our identities and connect our communities. Through youth art exhibitions, cultural performances, and hands-on workshops, we create space for San Jose's multilingual families to see their languages celebrated and their stories told.
What Happens Each Year:
Art Exhibition & Contest Young artists submit work exploring their linguistic and cultural identity, with each piece accompanied by an artist statement about how their mother language influences their creative voice.
Cultural Performances Traditional dances and music from South Indian classical, Mexican folklórico, Chinese performing arts, Mayan dance, and Armenian and Turkish folk traditions.
Workshops & Activities Hands-on art workshops, face painting celebrating cultural symbols, and educational sessions about preserving mother tongues.
Community Connection A gathering space for multilingual families to celebrate heritage, for children to see their languages honored, and to recognize that linguistic diversity strengthens community.
