6 Events To Ring In Lunar New Year
Celebrate the Year of the Snake with festivals full of dances, songs and cultural activities.
Don’t pack away your party hats and noise makers just yet, because there’s plenty of new year’s fun still to come. We’re talking about Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year, which begins on Jan. 29. This celebration marks the first new moon that appears between Jan. 21 and Feb. 20, and in many cultures symbolizes the beginning of spring.
It’s the Year of the Snake on the Chinese Zodiac calendar. The animal is believed to represent wisdom and transformation, offering people the chance for personal growth and change. Whether you’re of Chinese descent or not (there are more than 22,000 residents of Chinese descent in Bergen County), you can participate in Lunar New Year events this season.
Below are six events in and around the county that bring out the festive spirit:
• Lunar New Year Showcase, Jan. 18 at Jack Alter Fort Lee Community Center, Fort Lee. Enjoy free cultural performances and a spectacular lion dance at this festival for all residents. The show starts at 1 p.m.
• Lunar New Year Celebration, Jan. 25 at Garden State Plaza, Paramus. Traditional live performances, dragon and lion dances and other interactive cultural activities will take place during the family-friendly festival. The fun begins at 1:30 p.m. in the Family Entertainment Court.
• Lunar New Year with the New Jersey Symphony, Jan. 25, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark. This showcase of music and dance is a wonderful event for all families and children. Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. show range from $29 to $89.
• Feng Shui for Lunar New Year, Jan. 28 via Zoom. The Englewood Library will present certified feng shui consultant Tina Munson, who’ll present ways you can use the ancient practice to enhance your life this year. The virtual program is free to all and available via Zoom.
• Lunar New Year Celebration, Jan. 29 at Ridgewood Library, Ridgewood. Kids’ book Danbi author Anna Kim will join the festivities, which includes a review of traditional customs such as respecting elders. The program starts at 11 a.m. and is free for all residents.
• Lunar New Year Gala, Jan. 31 at American Dream, East Rutherford. Celebrate with a classical music concert spotlighting the heritage and energy of the season. Music will be performed by some of the area’s most talented child musicians. The concert is free and starts at 2 p.m. Remember to stroll the mall to see other Lunar New Year decorations and photo ops.
How are you celebrating the Lunar New Year? Tell us about your plans on Instagram @bergenmagnj.
