Lunar New Year kicks off with celebrations in Northstate
by Christina Candelaria
Thu, January 30th 2025 at 10:02 AM
NORTHSTATE, Calif. — Millions around the world are celebrating the Lunar New Year, which marks the Year of the Wood Snake according to the Chinese Zodiac Calendar.
The holiday is based on the lunar calendar, which tracks the moon's phases, and celebrations last about two weeks in parts of the world like China, Vietnam and Korea.
012925_Local Lunar New Year Celebrations
From festive parades and lion dances to red envelopes symbolizing prosperity, local communities here in the Northstate are embracing the tradition, and there are several ways you can join in the festivities.
Traditional Lunar New Year celebration and Lion Dance: The Weaverville Joss House Association and California State Parks are inviting the public to a traditional Lunar New Year celebration and Lion Dance at the house on Saturday, Feb. 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., located on the southwest corner of Main and Oregon St. in Weaverville. The event is free and includes crafts for the kids, guided tours of the Cloud Forest Temple, and firecrackers after the Lion Dance. Those in attendance will also witness a traditional Dragon Dance in Weaverville for the first time. For more information about the event, folks can contact the park at (530) 623-5284 or check their Facebook page.
Historic Chinatown Alley’s Annual New Year Celebration: In Red Bluff, the Helen and Joe Chew Foundation invites the public to Historic Chinatown Alley’s Annual New Year Celebration. The event is open to all ages and free, featuring traditional and local food and refreshments, a Lion Dance performance, and an opportunity for people to learn about the history and stories of Red Bluff's Chinatown. The celebration happens Feb. 1 from 11 am. to 1 p.m. at Historic Chinatown Alley. You can head over to the foundation's Facebook event page for more information on the festivities
Lunar New Year Celebration: In Chico, St. John's Episcopal Church is holding a Lunar New Year celebration on Feb. 1 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., something they say is a cultural highlight in the community.
"Different symbols in the Zodiac can have different elements, and the Wood Snake is known for wisdom, charm, and elegance," the Weaverville Joss House Sate Park states. "While there are 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, it’s believed that lions will preserve peace and tranquility in the community and prevail over all evil to bring joy and happiness in the new year."