Houston Celebrates the Year of the Fire Monkey
February 15, 2016
The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday that is celebrated by many populations including China, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and many more. The celebrations are based on the Chinese calendar. This calendar includes an animal every 12 months. This year is the year of the Fire Monkey.
The Lunar New Year began on February 8, 2016. Celebrations will continue until the last day of the Chinese calendar. On the fifteenth day (Feb. 22) of the New Year celebration, there is a lantern festival. Since the festival begins when the moon is completely invisible, it is important to note that when the lantern festival occurs, the moon is full. This first night of the full moon marks the return of the Spring season and the reuniting of family members.
On Saturday, Feb. 13th, many celebrated the 20th Annual Texas Lunar New Year Festival. The festival took place at Hermann Square in Downtown Houston. Admission to the event was $6 and provided many vendors and food trucks. Many community leaders such as Congressman Al Green and International Trade Center founder, Wea Lee joined in the festivities. The event lasted from 10:30 o’clock in the morning until 5 o’clock in the evening.
The Lunar New Year Houston 2016 festival occurred on Saturday, Feb. 13th, and Sunday, Feb. 14th. The event took place outside of the Viet Hoa center on 8300 West Sam Houston Parkway. The celebration had free admission and lasted from 11 o’clock in the morning until 6 o’clock in the evening on both days.
The weekend festivals had activities for guests of all ages. Each festival taught not only the celebration of Asian culture but also the celebration of how the Lunar New Year tradition can be shared with other cultures throughout the Houston community.
For more information on the Lunar New Year 2016, please visit chinahighlights.com.