Lunar New Year marks the arrival of spring in the lunisolar calendar and is celebrated widely by communities with roots in China, South Korea, and Vietnam.
Assemblymember Mia Bonta notes that this Lunar New Year has inspired many events across the district, from solidarity celebrations hosted by the Asian Cultural Center in Oakland to lion dancing and crafts in Emeryville and the second-year return of the Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade after a 50-year hiatus.
“I’m grateful for these opportunities for our neighbors to gather in joy and cultural appreciation at a time when more joy is needed,” Bonta said. “In many cultures, the Lunar New Year, also known as Chunjie or the Spring Festival, is celebrated over 16 days filled with family time, enjoyment of open-air markets, and firework displays.”
Bonta also noted that the Lunar New Year marks the beginning of the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese zodiac calendar.
“The dragon can symbolize honor, strength, luck, and success. These are all attributes I look forward to carrying into the new legislative session,” Bonta said. “I hope to see you all out in the community and wish you a very happy Lunar New Year.”
Lunar New Year activities
Oakland Museum of California (OMCA): Celebrate Lunar New Year through family-friendly storytelling, performances, activities, and more. Come together to uplift AAPI communities and explore the shared connections between Asian cultures of the Bay Area. Festival tickets include access to all OMCA Lunar New Year performances and activities, entry to all galleries as well as a special exhibition, Por el Pueblo: The Legacy and Influence of Malaquías Montoya. Children under 12 are free with advance reservations. Saturday, February 17, 11 a.m., Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., Oakland.
Laurel Lunar New Year Lion Dance Procession: Come to the RE/MAX Parking Lot for a blessing, then follow the Lion Dance procession as it visits businesses along MacArthur Boulevard from 35th Avenue to High Street in Oakland’s Laurel District. Free and family friendly. Saturday, February 17, 2:30 to 6 p.m., between 4232 and 3824 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland.
Lunar New Year Parade: This is the second Oakland Chinatown Improvement Council’s Lunar New Year Parade after a 50-year hiatus. Bring your enthusiasm, come dressed in your most festive outfit, and support the community. The parade will begin and end at Wilma Chan Park. There will be plenty of opportunities to cheer on the participants. February 18, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wilma Chan Park, 810 Jackson St., Oakland.
Arts & Crafts for Lunar New Year and Black History Month: Enjoy a free, family-friendly arts and crafts extravaganza to celebrate Lunar New Year and Black History Month. Participants can make fabric quilt squares in the style of Black quilt artists like Faith Ringgold and create dragon hand puppets for the Year of the Dragon. Pre-registration is appreciated to plan for supplies but walk-ups are welcome on a space-available basis. Friday, February 16, 10 a.m. to noon, Emeryville Public Market, 5959 Shellmound St., Emeryville.
Lion Dance on Bay Street, Emeryville: Enjoy a free performance from the UC Berkeley’s Cal VSA Lion Dance Team. The event will feature street vendors and other Year of the Dragon festivities. Sunday, February 18, 1 to 4 p.m., 5616 Bay Street, Emeryville.