Chinese Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, welcomes the Year of the Pig starting tonight, Feb. 4, and going until February 19th, the Lantern Festival
Since 2016, New York City public school students have had the day off, probably because the Chinese population in New York City has grown 35% from 2000 to 2013, to about 350,000. You will probably notice some stores will be closed tonight and tomorrow, for those who are celebrating the holiday traditionally with feasts, and also: no cleaning. How can you not love it? Click here for an in-depth on the traditional celebration.
Feel like joining in? Here are some local happenings:
For kids off from school tomorrow:
Free crafts, including paper lanterns in Prospect Park. Register here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lunar-new-year-in-prospect-park-tickets-53307605483
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lunar-new-year-in-prospect-park-tickets-53307605483
Kids ages 2-6 can make Lion Puppets at the Children’s Museum 10-12:30, and kids over 4 can learn about objects related to the celebration in Holding History 11-5pm,
at the Children’s Museum 145 Brooklyn Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11213
For everyone:
Tue. Feb 5
Learn more about plants associated with the Lunar New Year with a special tour of the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens. Meet at the Steinhardt Conservatory entrance at 1pm
Sat. Feb. 9
Enjoy a free performance of the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company at the Brooklyn Public Library, 1-2pm, first come, first seated at Central Library, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza
Sun. Feb 10
See the Brooklyn Lunar New Year Parade and Festival, a traditional parade features lion and dragon dancers, drummers and more right here in Brooklyn at 8th Ave. and 50th St., Sunset Park! Free cultural performances at 10:30 am, fireworks and more at noon.
