As the Lunar New Year approaches, many Twin Cities residents with ties to East Asia are gearing up for celebrations filled with cultural performances, food and music.
For Arwin Chan, Lunar New Year means letting go of the old and welcoming in prosperity for the new year. It’s a time when she goes out for a big family dinner or simply catches up with friends.
“This is the time that people will try to go back to have a big celebration with their family and show their gratitude,” Chan said.
Chan came to the United States from Taiwan in 2002. She said in Taiwan people get at least five days off for Lunar New Year, but because it isn’t an officially recognized holiday here, she hasn’t had the opportunity to fly back and spend the holiday with her family in Taiwan.
“But I’ve met quite a lot of friends here and also have my American family that embraces my culture,” Chan said, a former board member at Yinghua Academy in Minneapolis. “So in general, Lunar New Year here is my own tradition.”
Celebrating the holiday offers Minnesotans—familiar with the tradition or not—a chance to come together throughout the month of February and find community, Chan said.
“Not only are we trying to preserve our heritage, but at the same time we want to bring joy from the music and dance,” Chan said. “It’s a universal language. You don’t need to know how to do it, we just hope you enjoy it and bring a good spirit.”
Upcoming events
Lunar New Year Celebration at Mall of America
Experience a showcase of artistic performances, cultural presentations, and other activities. The Huntington Bank Rotunda will be lined with special decor and themed photo backdrops.
When: Saturday, February 10 and Sunday, February 11, from 12:30 to 5 p.m.
Where: Huntington Bank Rotunda, Mall of America, 60 E. Broadway, Bloomington
Cost: Free
Lunar New Year Celebration at Midtown Global Market
This family-friendly event will include performances, music, kids’ crafts and more.
When: Saturday, February 10, from noon to 3 p.m.
Where: Midtown Global Market, 920 E. Lake St., Minneapolis
Cost: Free
Westminster Performing Arts Series: Lunar New Year with Gao Hong and Friends
Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with Gao Hong, an internationally touring Chinese pipa performer and composer. Gao will be accompanied by Carleton College’s Chinese Music Ensemble, which she directs. In 2022, Mayor Melvin Carter declared April 3 to be Gao Hong Day in the city of St. Paul in honor of her contributions.
When: Friday, February 9, 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1200 S. Marquette Ave., Minneapolis
Cost: Adults: $25, or pay what you can. Youth: $10, or pay-what-you-can. Free parking in Westminster’s parking garage is included with tickets.
Jangmi Arts Seollal (Lunar New Year) Celebration
Jangmi Arts, a Korean dance and drumming school, is holding its annual Seollal celebration. The event includes a Korean marketplace, an art workshop, a traditional New Year’s meal of tteokguk (rice cake soup), and student performances of dance, drumming, and taekwondo.
When: Saturday, February 10, 11 a.m to 3 p.m.
Where: White Bear Lake High School South Campus, 3551 McKnight Road N. White Bear Lake
Cost: Admission is free, but the lunch is $15 and reservations are recommended.
CASA Chinese New Year: Fiery Fortunes
Put on by the University of Minnesota’s Chinese American Student Association, this lunar new year celebration features activity booths, a raffle, free food, and live performances.
When: Sunday, February 11, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Great Hall, Coffman Memorial Union, 300 Washington Ave. S.E., Minneapolis
Cost: Free
Dancing Dragons: A celebration of the Year of the Dragon
The Chinese American Association of Minnesota’s Chinese Dance Theater is putting on a free performance featuring traditional and stylized Chinese dances at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.
When: Saturday, February 10, 11 a.m.
Where: Minneapolis Institute of Art, 2400 3rd Ave. S., Minneapolis
Cost: Free
