Happy Lunar New Year!

Today is the start of the Lunar New Year!

While most of Asia celebrates the Year of the Rabbit, Vietnam celebrates the Year of the Cat. Lunar New Year celebrations emphasize family togetherness as well as good luck and prosperity for the coming year. Here’s an interesting article on the Year of the Rabbit / Cat from PBS Newshour.

Lunar New Year’s foods aim to bring good fortune. Here are some recipes to try out from the NY Times and NPR. Also, Dumpling Club (just around the corner from Synergy) offers pre-made LNY dumplings and also offers dumpling-making classes (ages 10+).

Here’s a list of 10 Lunar New Year books for kids. Netflix has also put together a collection of films and series in honor of Lunar New Year.

Finally, the Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage SF has compiled a great list of community and cultural events in San Francisco. Here are a few highlights:

Chinese New Year Parade. Chinese New Year Parade started back in the 1860’s to celebrate and showcase the Chinese Culture. It has grown to be the biggest CNY celebration outside of Asia, named one of the top ten parades in the world by the International Festival & Event Association, and consistently placed top 5 Best Cultural Festival by USA Today Readers Choice. The SF Chinese New Year Parade will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2023.

Year of the Rabbit on Parade. Five Rabbit Sculptures culturally painted are displayed around San Francisco from January 7 – February 5 for everyone to explore. Enter the photo contest by taking a photo with the Rabbit for a chance to win a prize. Official rules on chineseparade.com website.

Zodiac Wall: The theme for the 8th year of the Zodiac Wall is “wealth” for Year Of The Rabbit 2023. Residents and visitors wrote down their wishes for the new year in lucky red envelopes that are tiled to create a mosaic mural that resembles the character for 富 wealth. Chinatown wishes everyone a ‘Wealthy’ new year together for businesses, health, and community. Find the Zodiac Wall here.

Community Street Fair.  The SF Chinese Chamber of Commerce has activities and entertainment for all ages. Enjoy Chinese folk dancing, opera, drumming and much more at the entertainment stage in the heart of San Francisco Chinatown. February 4-5, 10 am-4:30 pm, Chinatown.

Please feel free to share in the comments if and how your family celebrates Lunar New Year!

Synergy’s 3rd grade will be performing and celebrating the Lunar New Year on Friday, February 3rd from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. at the school.