Lunar Neigh Year Celebration Begins

DIANA LI
News Editor

The last day of January marked the beginning of the 2014 Lunar New Year, ushering in the Year of the Horse. The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, typically falls between late January and mid-February because the lunar calendar is based on the phases of the moon’s cycle, unlike Western calendars. Though the Lunar New Year is sometimes called Chinese New Year, the holiday is celebrated in China, Japan, Korea,Vietnam and other countries.

During this 15-day-long holiday, families traditionally gather for elaborately prepared dinners. Children often receive red envelopes containing money from adult relatives.

In Alhambra, other festivities are ongoing. On Feb. 8, the 23rd Annual Alhambra Lunar New Year Celebration will be held on Valley Boulevard from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The street festival will feature over 200 vendors and booths, as well as a live kung fu performance, children’s workshops and a dragon boat rowing station.

“What I enjoy most about Lunar New Year is getting together with all my relatives to feast, talk and laugh,” senior Joyce Hii said.