What and where to celebrate the Lunar New Years This Weekend
After the action-oriented Year of the Tiger in 2022, the 2023 Lunar New Year Shines a light upon the Year of the Rabbit
On Saturday, January 21st, the eve of this festive occasion will take place on the same night that a new moon in AquariusThe Lunar New Year officially begins on Sunday January 22nd. However, we can still look to the sweet and gentle rabbit for inspiration. The gentle rabbit symbolizes compassion, community, intellect, and empathy. He prefers to think before acting.
If the rabbit were to embody a word for 2023 it would be peace, Jonathan H. X. Lee from San Francisco State University shares his thoughts with NBC“There should be a time of reflection and thoughtfulness in your being, in action, and with the intention to long-term success. People born between 1951 and 1963, 1985, 1987, 1999, 1999, and 2011 need to be cautious about how they approach the rest of the year. They should not succumb to the exhausting culture of urgency. For a peaceful 2023, slow and gentle living is the way to go.
Asian communities around the globe celebrate this 15-day celebration to welcome prosperity, success, and abundance. The fiery red color is often central to Asian traditions. It represents good fortune and wealth and helps to ward off negative energy. It is essential to ensure a clutter-free and clean environment before any celebrations. Family members will usually spend the evening together to ring in 2019 over a big dinner.
Scroll down to see a list of things to do in New York this weekend if you are interested in joining in on the Lunar New Year festivities.
Friday, January 20
Pulse Events: Lunar New Year Spring Festival at Avant Gardner
A 21+ event with DJ Gryffin, which is the year’s theme, is a great way to get rid of any negative vibes.
Saturday, January 21
Bobblehaus Presents Bohan Phoenix + DJ Poon: Lunar New Year 2023
Bobblehaus, a brand owned by AAPI, will host this Year of the Rabbit party. Bohan Phoenix, a Chinese-American rapper, will perform live alongside DJ Poon. While general admission tickets are priced at $35 USD, free food & drinks will be provided by Lunar & Fuku.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden Plants Tour
Spend your Lunar New Years in Nature with Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Get a free tour and garden admission. Available in English and Cantonese.
Lunar New Year at Hudson Yards
The New York Chinese Cultural Center offers traditional lion dances, ribbon twirling and other entertainments at 1 p.m. 3 p.m. and 5.
The Met: The Year of the Rabbit
Museum admission includes free access to interactive activities, artist workshops, and performances.
Museum of Chinese Art Lunar New Year Family Festival
MOCA plans a variety of activities for this weekend, including a demonstration on how to pull noodles and dragon beard candy making.
Sunday, 22 January
Lunar New Year Firecracker Ceremony and Cultural Festival at Sara D. Roosevelt Park
A Lunar New Year Parade is the best way to be festive. Grand Street is the starting point for the festival.