Event Information

Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a joyous and culturally significant celebration observed by many East Asian communities around the world. The festival marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and typically falls between late January and mid-February. Each year is associated with one of the twelve Chinese zodiac animals, and 2024 is the Year of the Dragon.

The festivities are characterized by vibrant and elaborate traditions, including family reunions, feasts, and the iconic lion and dragon dances. Red decorations, lanterns, and symbolic ornaments are prevalent, symbolizing good luck, prosperity, and warding off evil spirits.

Central to Lunar New Year is the practice of giving and receiving red envelopes (hongbao) containing money as a symbol of good fortune and blessings for the coming year. Families also come together to share special meals, often featuring symbolic dishes with meanings tied to luck, longevity, and prosperity.

Fireworks displays are common during Lunar New Year, believed to chase away malevolent forces and welcome the new year with a burst of positive energy. Temples and homes are adorned with traditional couplets and scrolls bearing auspicious phrases.

Overall, Lunar New Year is a time for reflection, gratitude, and the renewal of hope, embodying the rich cultural heritage and values of the communities that celebrate it.