SAN DIEGO —
Lunar New Year 2024 | Year of the Dragon
Say goodbye to 2023 and the Year of the Rabbit because Lunar New Year 2024 is upon us!
It is the Year of the Dragon, which starts on Saturday, February 10. This cultural holiday is celebrated globally as well as right here in San Diego with vibrant colors, food, and festivities.
The Lunar New Year, also known as the "Spring Festival" in China, "Tet" in Vietnam, and "Seollal" in Korea is a major festival celebrated across Asia. The origins are steeped in folklore and myth, which can be traced as far back as 3,500 years ago.
Lunar New Year starts with the first new moon on the lunar calendar and ends 15 days later on the first full moon. Because it's based on the cycles of the lunar calendar, each year's date is slightly different.
Typically, Lunar New Year happens between late January and early to mid-February.
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Food, Gifts, and Parties
No festival or celebration would be complete without fan-favorite foods and delicious desserts. The Chinese New Year menu features a bevy of dishes from fish, spring rolls, dumplings, and noodles to traditional rice cakes and pudding desserts.
One example, steamed fish is a common dish for Lunar New Year celebrations as well as Chinese banquets. Lunar New Year dinners feature even more tasty treats that warm the heart and soul, not to mention, that many dishes are thought to bring good luck and long life.
Chinese Zodiac
The Chinese Zodiac is comprised of 12 repeating animals: pig, rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, and dog. Each sign has a corresponding year as well as a horoscope, personality traits, and romantic compatibility.
It first appeared during the Zhan Guo period during the 5th Century B.C.E, according to historians at the University of Washington.
In Chinese culture, the dragon is typically associated with power and strength. It even appeared on China's first national flag in 1890 by the Qing Dynasty. It has often been used as a national symbol representing China for decades since.
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Lunar New Year events in San Diego
Mark your calendars because San Diego is celebrating the Year of the Dragon from February 9 through February 11 with food, fun, and fairs.
Featuring dazzling displays, lights and lanterns, traditional lion dances, firecrackers, and a celebration of Asian heritage and culture. Events are happening all around San Diego starting the week of the Lunar New Year, with a long list of events for the weekend.
Below are just a few options in San Diego -