SACRAMENTO, Calif. — On Sunday, the new moon will mark Lunar New Year and families will be ushering in the Year of the Rabbit.
This year, Lunar New Year, also largely celebrated in many East and some Southeast Asian countries are being recognized in a special way across California. For the first time in the state's history, Lunar New Year is an official state holiday.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill last year declaring Lunar New Year a state holiday, acknowledging the "diversity and cultural significance Asian Americans bring to California." There are plenty of ways you can celebrate.
Friday, Jan. 20
Join Asian Resources Inc. (ARI) for their free event to ring in the Lunar New Year! The celebration will include a walk-through of different countries and how their cultures celebrate the Lunar New Year. The event is designed to help bridge the gap between different cultures through education. Cultural attire is highly encouraged and free dental screenings will also be available onsite.
- Where: ARI Headquarters, 6270 Elder Creek Rd., Sacramento
- When: Jan. 20 from 3 p.m.- 6 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 21-22
SCIFA Lunar New Year Celebration
The Sacramento Chinese of IndoChina Friendship Association (SCIFA) will host its Lunar New Year Celebration, which will include a lion dance that starts at 9:30 a.m. and a vegetarian brunch that will start at 10 a.m.
- Where: 6117 Elder Creek Rd., Sacramento
- When: Jan. 22, 9:30 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 23
Rooftop Macarons, a homemade macarons shop in Elk Grove, is inviting community members to join them for their lion dance to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit. The first 100 customers who come out will also receive lucky red envelopes.
- Where: 8876 Vintage Park Dr., Suite 101, Sacramento
- When: 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 24
The Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce is kicking off its Sip N' Socialize event to celebrate the new year. Attendees can support small businesses while making new connections, all over drinks and appetizers from local eateries. You can register for the event HERE.
- Where: SPACES, 1601 R Street (Third Floor), Sacramento
- When: 6-8 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 28-29
ACC Senior Services, along with The Creative Space, will be hosting a celebration filled with food trucks, crafters, cultural performances and even cooking demonstrations! Stop by to sample foods and learn about various Asian cultures and how they celebrate the new year. You can even take a tour of ACC Senior Services to learn more about the classes they offer and find opportunities to get involved in the community. The event is free and face masks are required for indoor entry. You can learn more HERE.
- Where: ACC Senior Services, 7334 Park City Dr., Sacramento
- When: Jan. 28, 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Bring the entire family to enjoy carnival rides, live performances, a beauty pageant, bingo and raffle prizes, as well as plenty of food from various vendors. The event will be presented by the NorCal Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce.
- Where: 5901 Florin Rd., Sacramento (Old SEARS parking lot)
- When: Jan. 28-29, 11 a.m.- 7 p.m.
Elk Grove City Councilmember Darren Suen and California State Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen will be hosting a community event in Elk Grove that will include arts and crafts, community resources and performances! Click here to find out how to RSVP.
- Where: District 56, 8230 Civic Center Dr., Elk Grove
- When: Jan. 29, 1-3 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 4
Join Iu Mien Community Services for their Iu Mien New Year celebration! The event is free and will include food, live entertainment and cultural vendors. You can also learn more about other community organizations and the services they provide.
- Where: Pannell Meadowview Community Center, 2450 Meadowview Rd., Sacramento
- When: 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Lunar New Year Celebration
My Sister's House and My Sister's House Treasures will be hosting a celebration at My Sister's House Treasures. Check back for updates, more details to come.
- Where: My Sister's House Treasures, 2223 10th St., Sacramento
- When: 12:30- 2 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 11
Ring in the new year by enjoying various cultural performances, from a lion dance to kick off celebrations to martial arts and tai chi demonstrations. The first 100 visitors will receive lucky red envelopes!
- When: 12- 4 p.m.
- Where: Main Street, Downtown Marysville
Saturday, Feb. 25
The annual Bok Kai Parade, the oldest continuous parade in California, is back on! Catch all the excitement as the community celebrates the 143rd parade in Downtown Marysville. The event will open up with vendors, include a lion dance, as well as the firing of a firecracker. You can learn more HERE.
- When: 8 a.m.-11 p.m.