Lion dances, fireworks and the color red: These are some of the most visible signs of the celebration of the Lunar New Year, but the Lunar New Year is much more than that.
Tied to the changing of the lunar calendar, it’s also a celebration of the arrival of spring. It’s a time for Chinese, Vietnamese and other Asian cultures who commemorate it to come together with family and friends, wash away the past year and bring in new opportunities.
For those following the Chinese zodiac, or similar zodiacs in other cultures, Lunar New Year means ringing in the Year of the Rabbit. For the Vietnamese zodiac, 2023 is the Year of the Cat.
More than one billion people worldwide will celebrate Lunar New Year over multiple days, with traditions varying throughout the world and across the United States.
This guide is to here to give you the basics of the Lunar New Year and inform you on how San Diego will celebrate, with a handful of free public events.
We wish everyone prosperity and good fortune this year.
When is Lunar New Year?
In 2023, Lunar New Year is Jan. 22. The length of celebrations surrounding the holiday vary, but can typically last as many as 15 days.
What is the origin of Lunar New Year?
The origin of Lunar New Year — also known as Spring Festival in China, Seollal in South Korea and Tet in Vietnam — is filled with various stories and legends. According to the Timothy S. Y. Lam Museum of Anthropology, the most popular origin story is that a mythical beast ate crops, livestock and people on the eve of Lunar New Year. Folklore says a wise old man realized the beast was afraid of loud noises and the color red. People then put red scrolls on windows and red lanterns in front of their homes to stop the beast from coming inside. Now, fireworks and the color red are part of the Lunar New Year festivities.
Who celebrates Lunar New Year?
It is one of the most important holidays in China and is widely celebrated across multiple countries in Asia, such as Singapore, Brunei, Vietnam and South Korea. It is also celebrated in cities around the world, including right here in San Diego.
What does the year of the rabbit or cat represent?
The year 2023 marks the year of the rabbit, according to the Chinese zodiac, and the year of the cat, in Vietnamese culture. People born in the year of the rabbit are said to have characteristics of being elegant, kind and responsible. In Vietnamese culture, the year of the cat is said to bring attentiveness, comion and sensitivity.
Why does this year have two animals?
The Chinese zodiac calendar has 12 animals. Each coincide with the Lunar New Year and rotate every 12 years. In Vietnam, the rabbit is replaced by the cat, though there are various explanations.
The most widely known mythology of the Chinese zodiac is that of the great race took places thousands of years ago. The Jade Emperor, — a Chinese ruler and god — called for a race among animals. The first 12 to reach him would be proclaimed on the calendar, in order of how they finished. On the way to him, the animals would have to cross a river. The cat and the rat were not good swimmers so each of them hitched a ride on the ox, since it was strong and kind. But the rat pushed the cat into the water right before they reached the other side of the river. The rat reached the Jade Emperor first, the ox second, and the cat never made it to the Jade Emperor. The Vietnamese zodiac has a the cat instead of the rabbit because the ancient word for rabbit “mao” sounds like a cat’s meow sound, according to the San Diego Tet Festival.
What are customary rituals and traditions of Lunar New Year?
Lunar New Year celebrations vary, depending where you celebrate. There are public festivals and parades, but many traditions occur at home or with family gatherings.
A common practice is to clean house and decorate doors and windows with red paper cuttings and other expressions of good fortune. Many celebrate with a dinner on Lunar New Year’s Eve with a gathering and reunion of family and friends. An entire fish is often served to represent abundance and good luck for the entire year. Food is a major aspect of celebrating Lunar New Year.
Fireworks are also part of the Lunar New Year, and some families hand out red envelopes filled with money, which symbolizes good fortune and wishes for year ahead.
What local events are going on during Lunar New Year?
- The San Diego Tet Festival is hosting the Vietnamese Lunar New Year Celebration from Jan. 27 through Jan 29. The free, three-day event will have a variety of activities, carnival rides, performances, shows, food and vendors. There will be a main stage with performances by singers, bands, dancers and entertainers on each day, along with an opening ceremony on Jan. 27, and the crowning of Miss Vietnam San Diego on Jan. 28. There will also be a cultural village area with art and historical Vietnamese installations including kids performances, a talent show and a mock wedding. For the first time, there will be an eSports tournament. The festival will be held at the Mira Mesa Community Center on Jan. 27, from 5 to 10 p.m., Jan. 28 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Jan. 29 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit at the San Diego Central Library’s Korean American Heritage and Lunar New Year Celebration. This event includes performances by the San Diego Korean American Folk Dance Association and the San Diego Korean Pungmul Institute. There will also be an opportunity to learn your name in Korean, crafts, a photo booth and more. Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. San Diego Central Library, 330 Park Blvd., San Diego.
- The Chinese School of San Diego and House of China are hosting a 42nd Chinese New Year Banquet and Fundraiser at the Diamond Palace on Jan. 28 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. The evening will include a traditional nine-course meal of Chinese New Year dishes with festive rituals, folk dancing, a Chinese martial arts performance and festive lion dancing. The event will also have drawings and raffles for various prizes, such as gift certificates, Chinese artwork and a grand prize of $1,000. Over 500 people are expected, including community leaders and dignitaries. The event costs $65 per person or $600 per table of 10. To purchase event tickets call (858) 565-8008 or email [email protected].
- The 40th Annual San Diego Chinese New Year Fair returns in person in downtown San Diego, after last year’s cancellation and a virtual event in 2021. This free, two-day event celebrates the Lunar New Year and showcases Asian art, culture, food and traditions. There will be lion dancers, kung fu performances, classical dance troupes, vendors, food, activities for children and more. It will take place on the corner of Third Avenue and J Street on Feb. 4 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Feb. 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is presented by the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association San Diego.
- The Organization of Chinese Americans San Diego is hosting a lantern parade to rally against hate and inspire inclusion. The organization will give out lanterns and an Anna May Wong coin to the first 100 people. The parade takes place on Feb. 4 at 10 a.m. starting at the southwest corner lawn of the Waterfront Park at North Harbor Drive and West Ash Street and ends at Market Street and Third Avenue.
- Looking for a Lunar New Year celebration in Balboa Park on a Monday? The Old Globe is hosting the second annual Lunar New Year AXIS event on Jan. 23 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This year’s family-friendly event will celebrate the beginning of the year of the rabbit and feature performances by guest artists Nhu Y Le, Sharon Choi, Southern Sea Dance Association, Lac Hong Vietnamese School, Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Movement, Hùng Sử Việt and Three Treasures. There will also be a lion dance and dragon dance presentation by Southern Sea, martial arts demonstration and a fashion show. This free event will be at the Old Globe’s outdoor Copley Plaza and will be hosted by Vietca Do.
- The 2023 SD Lunar New Year Festival in City Heights is back at Jeremy Henwood Park on Jan. 20, 21 and 22. The three-day event is scheduled to have arts and cultural exhibitions, folk and traditional performances, a firework display, line dances and family-friendly activities. There will also be a pho-eating competition and costume contests for children and pets. Organizers will be giving away free light up toys, glow sticks, red envelopes with words of wisdom, ribbon hair accessories and adjustable collars to celebrate the year of the cat and rabbit. The festival will also include a groundbreaking ceremony for the new mini park Boat People Garden, to be built one block from the event site. The festival is free and open to all, including dogs, on Jan. 20 from 5 to 10 p.m., Jan. 21 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Jan. 22 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- In Balboa Park, the House of China is hosting its annual Chinese New Year Festival on Jan. 21 and 22 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both day. This free event will have the traditional legendary lion dance, musical performances, dancers, food, vendors, arts and crafts, calligraphy, a fashion show, speakers and more. Approximately 5,000 people are expected at the International Cottages Balboa Park, according to the House of China.
