Albany joins a variety of communities across the globe as they all prepare to celebrate the Lunar New Year this Tuesday, February 17th. Lunar New Year is the holiday that marks the beginning of a new year on lunisolar calendars, which are used in many East and Southeast Asian cultures. Traditionally, Lunar New Year is a day to honor family, and celebrate renewal and good fortune, with gatherings, symbolic foods, and festivities in late January to early and mid-February.

This year, Albany hosted another Solano Avenue Lunar New Year Celebration, on Saturday the 7th, which featured martial arts demonstrations and traditional dance performances from local artists at Ah-Lan Dance and Golden Lion Martial Arts Academy. Next week on Friday, February 20th, Felek Acupuncture is hosting a talk to reflect on the start of the Year of the Fire Horse, alongside tea, fortune cookies, and demonstrations of qigong and acupressure.

These festive activities offer fun and meaningful ways for local residents to learn about cultural traditions associated with Lunar New Year, connect with their neighbours, and enjoy shared activities. For members of LWVBAE, local celebrations like the ones mentioned here remind us of the incredible diversity of the Bay Area, and how that continues to enrich our daily lives and the bonds we have in our communities.

恭喜发财 (Wishing you a prosperous New Year!)

-Adrienne Melodia