It’s the Year of the Rooster, and spots across the region will celebrate.
Whether you attend a temple ceremony at midnight, or join a mooncake-sweet festivity, or watch a lion dance, or plan a meal around auspicious eats, the Lunar New Year has a way of bringing luck, joy, and hope for the days ahead to all.
Communities from Hong Kong to Seoul to New York to right here in Southern California will welcome The Year of the Rooster in the coming weeks.
The new year officially begins on Saturday, Jan. 28 — that’s a new moon night, you’re correct, an event that heralds the start of the celebrations — but some spots will begin the shows, parades, and mooncake goodness ahead of the last Saturday in January.
And, of course, keep the reveleries going well past that date, too. To find your go-to glad-making merriment, and to honor a venerable holiday that’s devoutly and joyously observed in places dotting the wide globe, look to…
The 118th Golden Dragon Parade: “Venerable” is certainly the word for this Chinatown spectacular, a popular, well-attended, and dance-filled to-do that can trace its beginnings to the very end of the 19th century. Floats, costumes, and those epic swirling dragons are hallmarks of this happy day. Saturday, Feb. 4
The Original Farmers Market: The landmark clocktowered public market will team up with The Grove on Sunday, Jan. 29 for “…Korean cultural dances, Kung Fu martial arts demos, food demos…” and, of course, a few amazing dances (both lion and dragon). As with other public events at the historic attraction, attending is free.
The Americana at Brand: The Glendale shopping destination had planned to mark the Lunar New Year a week before its official start, but, due to the wet weather, the revelry will now take place on Saturday, Feb. 4. Stilt walkers, a host of performances, a dragon dance, and classic eats galore (from K-Town Night Market vendors) are on the docket for the afternoon happening.
By Alysia Gray Painter