Chinese Lunar New Year Events!
Welcome to the Year of the Dragon! According to the Chinese Lunar Calendar, the new year begins on Monday, January 23 and it's expected to be a good one! Of the twelve animals associated with the Lunar Calender, 2012 belongs to the Dragon, the most favorable sign in the Chinese Zodiac. The only mythical animal on the list, the dragon is a pervasive symbol of benevolent power in Chinese culture. Those born under the sign of the Dragon are said to share the creature's characteristics including energy, passion, and intelligence. So those of you born in 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988 or 2000 have even more reason to take part in the city's spectacular New Year celebrations as this is the year of your sign!
The festivities kick off on New Year's Day with the traditional Firecracker Ceremony at noon, which is the highlight of the Chinese New Year Cultural Festival, a lively celebration featuring drumming, dancing and contests. The festival is held from 11AM-3PM in Roosevelt Park, between Grand and Hester Streets. But the red letter Lunar New Year event is the 13th Annual Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade and Festival, held on Sunday, January 29, 11:30AM-4PM. The parade winds through Chinatown along East Broadway, brimming with elaborate floats, lion and dragon dances, magicians, musicians, acrobats and countless other talented entertainers, and is always one of New York City's most colorful events.
And Chinatown is not the only place to ring in this auspicious year. The New York Chinese Cultural Center hosts a stunning multilevel bash on Saturday, January 28, 1PM-4PM, at the Winter Garden located at the World Financial Center. Featured performances include Shaolin-inspired kung fu, folk dances, and traditional music. Come earlier in the day to learn traditional Chinese arts such as paper-cutting and calligraphy from expert craftsmen. All performances and workshops are absolutely free.
Lastly, as all New Yorkers know, Flushing, Queens has become the most vibrant Chinese community in New York and in recognition of its most thriving community, the Queens Botanical Garden is hosting its Seventh Annual Pre-Lunar New Year Gala and Flower Market this Saturday, January 21, 10am-5pm. Admission into the Garden and the gala is also free. The festivities include live music, feng shui discussion, and cooking demonstrations. Speaking of cooking, make sure you don't leave Flushing without sampling the best authentic Chinese cuisine the city has to offer! Any of the restaurants dotting Main Street, Flushing and beyond is likely to be a winner. Happy Lunar New Year!
Posted at 03:22PM Jan 20, 2012 by Di in United Nations |