Gung Hay Fat Choy! It is almost the Chinese New Year’s again. Some people call it the Lunar New Year, it is one of the most important Chinese traditional holidays, and is celebrated by many Asian cultures. In China, it is celebrated from the New Year’s eve through the 15^th day of the first lunar month.

This year, the Chinese New Year will fall on January 26, 2009. It will be the 4707^th Lunar Year, and the Year of the Ox. In the densely Asian populated San Francisco Bay Area, this holiday has been widely celebrated by many communities. To immerse yourself in the festive spirit, check out the following fun activities:

From Market at Second, to Geary, Powell, Post, then Kearny, ending at Washington
February 7, 2009, Saturday
A San Francisco tradition since 1860's, it has grown to become the largest Chinese New Year celebration outside of China. The parade will begin at 5:15pm with lion dancers, floats, fire crackers, drums, and the spectacular 200-foot "Gum Lung", or Golden Dragon.

Grant Avenue from California to Broadway; Pacific Avenue from Kearny to Stockton; Washington & Jackson Street from Kearny to Stockton
February 7, 2009, Saturday 10 am - 4:30 pm
February 8, 2009, Sunday 9 am - 5 pm

In addition to hundreds of booths, there will be many Chinese cultural arts demonstrations including martial arts, calligraphy, lion dancing, folk dance, fine arts demonstrations, puppet shows, as well as traditional and modern entertainers perform on the main stage.

On Grant Avenue, from Broadway to Clay Street, and on Pacific Avenue, from Stockton to Kearny Street as well as Jackson Street between Stockton and Kearny.
January 24, 2009, Saturday 10am-8pm
January 25, 2009, Sunday 9am-6pm
You would find varieties of fruits, flowers, plants, sweets and other supplies that every Chinese household must have to begin the new year. Oranges (for luck) and tangerines (for gold) symbolize abundant happiness. Live blooming plants symbolize new growth and rebirth. Flowers symbolize prosperity. There will also be entertainment including Chinese opera, lion dancing, as well as martial arts demonstrations.

The War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco, January 7-11, 2009
The Flint Center in Cupertino, January 13-15, 2009
http://divineperformingarts.org/

Celebrate Chinese New Year by experiencing the ancient culture through its classical dance and music. You will not cease to amaze at the exquisite costumes, the enchanting 3-D animated backdrops, and the exhilarating performance.

To find out more about Chinese Lunar Calendar, check out Chinese Calendar information at the ChinaPage.com.