Alexis George
Year of the Dragon- Lunar New Year Orlando
The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival in China and celebrated under various names in other Asian countries, is a time of renewal, family reunions, and hope for a prosperous year ahead. Based on the lunar calendar, the date of the Lunar New Year varies each year. Still, it always falls between January 21 and February 20. And that brings us to Lunar New Year Orlando, where the city celebrates the festival.
For 2024, the Lunar New Year begins on February 10, ushering in the Year of the Dragon, a symbol of power, strength, and good luck in Chinese culture. The festivities traditionally last for 15 days, ending with the Lantern Festival, a celebration with night-time parades of paper lanterns and often marks the first full moon of the Lunar New Year.
Celebrating Lunar New Year in Orlando
Orlando offers a plethora of events to celebrate the Lunar New Year, allowing both residents and visitors to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Asian culture and traditions.
- Celebrate Lunar: Orlando’s premier Lunar New Year festival is on February 24 at a new location – Luminary Green Park in Downtown Orlando. Prepare to celebrate diverse Asian cultures, from culinary delights to mesmerizing performances.
- 2024 Tết Vietnamese New Year: The Vietnamese Community Association of Central Florida is hosting the 2024 Tết Vietnamese New Year at the Central Florida Fairgrounds in Orlando from February 16-18. Admission is free.
- Central Florida Dragon Parade: The 12th Annual Dragon Parade, organized by Asia Trend, Mills 50 (an Orlando Main Street District), R.E.A.C.H. (Recognizing, Experiencing Asian Cultural Heritage), and Y.E.S.S. (Youth Enrichment and Senior Services) will take place on Sunday, February 25. Enjoy a vibrant display of cultural pride and community engagement.
- Avalon SpringFest: Celebrate the Year of the Dragon at Town Park at Avalon Park. Expect a day filled with performances, food, and educational activities that highlight the beauty of Asian culture.
Morimoto Asia’s Culinary Celebration
Adding a gourmet dimension to the Lunar New Year celebrations, Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs introduces an exclusive menu inspired by traditional Asian cuisines. From February 9 through February 25, guests can indulge in limited-time dishes that blend authentic flavors with contemporary culinary techniques:
- Crispy Soft Shell Crab: A Singaporean-inspired delight served with spicy chili sauce and bao buns, priced at $17.
- Flash Fried Whole Branzino: A Chinese cuisine arrangement, Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s signature dish is served with sweet and sour sauce, cucumber slaw, and a choice of rice, priced at $42.
- “Tang Yuan” Black Sesame Mochi: A traditional Chinese dessert symbolizing togetherness, served in a warm coconut broth with orange zest and strawberries, priced at $12.
Complementing the dining experience, two specialty cocktails, the Good Fortune and Jade Empress, are crafted to embody the spirit of the Lunar New Year, offering a blend of unique flavors and festive garnishes.
Lunar New Year Orlando – New Beginnings, Shared Traditions
As we embrace Lunar New Year Orlando, you have plenty of ways to partake in the festivities. From the communal joy of parades and festivals to the intimate delight of gourmet dishes at Morimoto Asia, let’s come together to celebrate new beginnings and shared traditions.
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