The first day of the Lunar New Year is here and we have officially entered the Year of the Rooster. If you’re unfamiliar with the Lunar New Year, allow us to break it down. The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival, is celebrated by many countries in Asia and is one of, if not the biggest holidays. It commemorates the beginning of a new year and of Spring, based around the moon’s cycle, as opposed to calendar date as done with the traditional New Year. There are twelve animals that represent the 12-year animal zodiac cycle that corresponds with the Chinese calendar; each animal has a different set up beliefs surrounding luck, wealth, health, etc. for that year.
Given New York City’s diverse population, there will be plenty of Lunar New Year celebrations happening throughout the boroughs during the next week. Below is a list of a few worth checking out. Happy Lunar New Year and be safe!
New Year’s Day Firecracker Ceremony & Cultural Festival
What better way to kick off the New Year than with firecrackers? On Saturday, January 28th beginning at 11 a.m., a ceremony will take over Sara D. Roosevelt Park featuring live performances, vendors, and lots of loud noise from all the non-stop firecrackers being set off. Ear plugs are strongly recommended.
“A Lunar New Year Celebration: Madison Street to Madison Ave”
Returning to NYC for its second time, this celebration will kick off outside The Harman Store in Midtown East and is expected to attract thousands for an afternoon of family-friendly activities and performances. A Lion Dance troupe will parade from East 42nd Street all the way up to East 86th Street with appearances from the New York Eastern Chamber Orchestra, the American Tai Chi and Health Qigong Center, and more. It happens on Sunday, January 29th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Lunar New Year Parade in Sunset Park
The Brooklyn Chinese-American Association will host a festive costume and drum-filled parade that travels north from Eighth Avenue and 50th Street on Sunday, February 5th at 11 a.m.
Chinese Luna New Year Parade in Flushing
In Flushing, Queens a parade that could almost compete with Chinatown’s will happen on February 4th. There will be plenty of food and dance, with the procession being led by Mr. Met, the mascot for the New York Mets baseball team. It begins at 39th Avenue and Union Street and ends in front of Queens Crossing off of Main Street and 39th Avenue.
Annual New York City Lunar Year Parade and Festival
In its 18th consecutive year, Chinatown’s Lunar Year Parade is the celebration of all NYC celebrations— so much so that visitors arrive hours before it begins to snag a good viewing spot. Colorful floats, festive musical groups, and rhythmic dancers will make up the procession as it travels from the intersection of Hester and Mott streets and through Chinatown before ending at Forsyth and Grand streets. The parade takes place on Sunday, February 5th between 12 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Lunar New Year Festival: Year of the Rooster
On Sunday, February 5th, the Metropolitan Museum of Art will mark the Year of the Rooster with all-day celebrations that include performances by the Sesame Street Puppeteers, the Chinese Opera, paper-folding and drawing workshops, a Four Seasons tea gathering, and much more. The vast array of events take place between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Lunar New Year Family Festival
The Museum of Chinese in America will ring in the new year by hosting an afternoon of dance performances, arts and crafts, food sampling, storytelling, and more. The event will be held on Saturday, February 11th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with tickets priced at $12/person for non-members pf the museum.
For more events, check out NYCgo.com.
- Lunar New Year Events [NYC Go]
- Chinese Lunar New Year Parades and Celebrations in NYC [Mommy Poppins]