The Lunar Year is almost upon us. This Lunar New Year, the Year of the Dragon, starts on February 10th, 2024.
If you’re looking for a way to celebrate the lunar new year in New York, you’re in luck. The city has a lot of events and activities to offer, from parades and fireworks to cultural performances and food festivals.
Chief among these is the Lunar New Year Parade and Festival in Chinatown, one of the biggest and most colorful events in the city. It features floats, dancers, lion and dragon dancers, martial artists, and more. The parade starts at Mott and Canal Streets and ends at Sara D. Roosevelt Park, where you can enjoy live music, food stalls, and crafts.
The Firecracker Ceremony and Cultural Festival at Sara D. Roosevelt Park is another must-see event. It marks the first day of the lunar new year with a bang. Literally. Thousands of firecrackers are set off to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. You can also watch traditional performances, such as drumming, dancing, and singing.
The Lunar New Year Celebration at the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a family-friendly event that showcases the rich and diverse cultures of Asia. You can enjoy art activities, storytelling, puppet shows, music, dance, and more. You can also explore the museum’s Asian art collection and learn about the history and traditions of the lunar new year.
Flushing, Queens, is home to one of the largest Asian communities in the US. Flushing Town Hall will be hosting a great option for families. It features interactive workshops, demonstrations, games, and performances that celebrate the lunar new year and its zodiac animal. You can learn how to make lanterns, dumplings, paper cuts, and calligraphy. You can also watch acrobats, magicians, musicians, and dancers.
Since Lunar New Year is a time for new beginnings and family gatherings, MOCA—the Museum of Chinese America– is presenting MOCA FEST 2024, an annual celebration of the Lunar New Year with programming for all ages. The museum will host family-friendly activities and programs through February 29, 2024.
MOCA also offers some hints and tips on how to celebrate the lunar new year while respecting its traditions.
Lunar New Year No-Nos to:
Do not give $4 in a red envelope
Do not wear white or black
Do not sweep the floors or clean the house on the first day of LNY
Do not get a haircut during the first lunar month
Do not break tools or other equipment
Do not visit the doctor on the first day of LNY
Do not get into arguments
While those are activities and things to avoid, here are some things to eat that will usher in good luck:
10-Vegetable Dish
Rice Cake – 年年高升 nían nían gāo shēng
Fish – 年年有余 nían nían yoǔ yú
Dumplings
Sweet Rice Ball/Tang Yuan – 团团圆圆 túan túan yuan yúan
Longevity Noodles – 长寿面 cháng shòu miàn
Oranges/Tangerines
Cantonese Sweet Fried Dumplings – Gok Zai / Yau Gok
If you’re looking for gift ideas, here is what MOCA suggests:
Red Envelope (with a new two-dollar bill)
Pocket Almanac
White Rabbit Candy
Coins Ornament with Tassel
Lunar Calendar
Oranges/Tangerines (吉-luck)
Chinese New Year Flowers-Narcissus, Lucky Bamboo
Ferrero Rocher
