Lunar New Year 2024 Begins!

Happy Lunar New Year! The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, kicks off on Saturday, February 10, 2024 and this year we’re welcoming the Year of the Wood Dragon. Countries across Asia, including China, Vietnam, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, each hold unique festivities during this commemorative time.

In Chinese culture, the Wood Dragon is a symbol of abundance, protection, and rejuvenation. We encourage you to explore activities in the city that honor this celebration, and engage with the resources below to learn more about Lunar New Year traditions. 

• Think!Chinatown | Walking with Lions & Other Chinatown New Year Traditions
  “The solo show, titled “Walking with Lions and Other Chinatown New Year Traditions 伴獅巡埠-過年習俗" offers an interior view of the vibrant Lunar New Year celebrations in Manhattan's iconic Chinatown. For more than two decades, Edward Cheng has chronicled Manhattan Chinatown's Lunar New Year celebrations in black and white film. Using his 35mm, medium format camera, Cheng documents the unique blend of NYC Chinatown-specific rituals and historic traditions, showcasing the cultural resiliency of a diasporic community that has built a home in America.” 

Check out Think!Chinatown’s other Lunar New Year festivities!

• Museum of Chinese in America | Lunar New Year Mixer, Year of the Dragon Celebration
  “Step into our dragon’s den and let the dynamic spirit of the Dragon lead you through an evening of cultural splendor and entertainment. The night will come alive with fiery performances, featuring a spectacular show by the dazzling drag artist Angel Au, an electrifying concert by the innovative band P.H.0, and the lively beats of DJ Aspirin.” 

If you can’t make it to the event, check out the MOCA’s online journal, MOJO, to learn more about the museum’s artifacts and resources. 

• Met Museum | Celebrating the Year of the Dragon
  This Met exhibition opened on February 3rd and presents various works that illustrate the significant role that the dragon plays as the most celebrated animal in Chinese culture. 

Visit our communications archive to read last year’s Lunar New Year message and engage with more resources!