What is the Lunar New Year?
It’s that time of year again: the Lunar New Year is upon us! The Lunar New Year is an important traditional holiday celebrated by many Asian cultures, including China, Japan, and Korea. This holiday marks the start of a new year and is celebrated on different dates according to the lunar calendar, which is based on the phases of the moon.
This year, the Lunar New Year begins on January 22, 2023, and will last for 15 days until the full moon. The Lunar New Year is often considered the most important holiday in many Asian cultures. During this time, people participate in a variety of activities and traditions to commemorate the event. These include decorating the home with festive decorations, buying new clothes and shoes, and exchanging gifts with loved ones. Many people also visit their family and friends to celebrate the holiday.
Popular Activities
One of the most popular activities during the Lunar New Year is the giving of red envelopes. These red envelopes are filled with money and are given by elders to young people as a sign of good luck and prosperity. It is believed that the money in the envelope will bring good luck and fortune to the recipient throughout the year.
In addition to giving red envelopes, many families also celebrate the Lunar New Year by having a family reunion dinner. This dinner is usually served on the evening of the first day of the Lunar New Year and is a great way for families to get together and enjoy each other’s company. During the meal, families also exchange wishes and blessings for the upcoming year.
Celebrations and Festivals
The Lunar New Year is also a time for celebrations and festivals. Many cities in Asia, such as Beijing, Hong Kong, and Tokyo, hold large parades and performances to mark the occasion. People also enjoy setting off firecrackers, which are believed to ward off bad luck and bring good luck for the upcoming year. The Lunar New Year is an important holiday that celebrates the start of a new year with friends and family. It is a time to reflect on the past year and make plans for the upcoming year.
With its unique traditions and activities, the Lunar New Year is a great way to bring good luck and prosperity to everyone involved.
Looking to celebrate the Lunar New Year in Orlando?
Mei’s Supermarket Lunar New Year Celebration
Mei’s Supermarket will host a 2023 Lunar New Year Celebration with great Entertainment such as Wah Lum Lion Dance and Kung Fu, Thuyen May Productions Vietnamese Dance, Orlando HanQing Taiji Culture and Art Center Tai Chi Demonstration, Live Music, Lucky Draw, prizes, and more!
January 22, 2023
Free Admission
2:00- 3:30 p.m.
10681 E Colonial Dr, Union Park, FL 32817
GOAABA’s Lunar New Year Celebration
Celebrate Lunar New Year with GOAABA. Enjoy the amazing food and raffle prizes during this event sponsored by Durham Law Group, P.C. There is a capacity limit of 80, and registration for this event closes on Jan. 23. Tickets for GOAABA members are $15, and tickets for non-members are $25.
January 26, 2023
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Dim Dim Sum
4750 The Grove Drive, Ste. 100, Windermere, FL 34786
30th Annual Central Florida Vietnamese Lunar New Year
Celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Lunar New Year Festival with Vietnamese food, traditional dragon and lion dances, cultural performances, kids’ games, bounce house, fireworks, and more.
January 28-29, 2023
Free admission
Central Florida Fairgrounds
4603 W Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL
OCLS’s Chinese New Year Celebration
Celebrate Chinese New Year with The Chinese School of CAACF, Inc. Explore Chinese New Year traditions. The Chinese School of CAACF is one of the most established and premier Chinese schools in the state that promotes Chinese language, culture, and ethnicity in Central Florida for three decades.
January 29, 2023
Free Admission
2-3:00 p.m.
Orlando Public Library
101 E. Central Blvd. Orlando, FL 32801
Celebrate Lunar 2023
Experienceexciting entertainment and cuisine from Asian businesses and restaurants all across Central Florida.
February 4, 2023
12-6 p.m.
XL Soccer World Lake Nona
12314 Suttner Ave
2023 Dragon Parade
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) are hosting the 11th annual Central Florida Dragon Parade.
February 5, 2023
11:00 am- 12:00 p.m.
Mills 50 District.
Avalon SpringFest 2023 – Lunar New Year Festival
Asia Trend proudly presents the first annual Avalon SpringFest to celebrate Lunar New Year, in partnership with Avalon Park, a premier community at East Orlando and various non-profit organizations to bring joy, unity, friendship, harmony and diversity in the Avalon Park area.
February 11, 2023
Noon to 6 p.m.