Across the United States, communities are coming together to welcome the Year of the Snake with vibrant celebrations marking the Lunar New Year 2025. Observed on January 29, the festivities embody rich cultural traditions, bringing people of all backgrounds together to celebrate diversity and heritage.
First up is the City of Burien, Washington, which is celebrating its inaugural Lunar New Year community event on February 1 from 10 AM to 1 PM. Billed as the first official acknowledgment of the holiday, the event invites residents to enjoy games, treats, and performances, including the traditional lion dance. “What is so wonderful about the upcoming first Lunar New Year celebration in Burien is the people behind it,” said Lorraine Chachere, the city’s Economic Development Specialist, emphasizing the communal spirit of the festivities.
Simultaneously, festivities are being held at various locales across Austin, Texas. The Lunar New Year at Austin Beerworks, taking place on February 1, features games of Mahjong, lion dancing, and exclusive merchandise to mark the occasion. Additional celebrations, including the UMLAUF After Dark: Lunar New Year event on February 4, incorporate cultural performances alongside delicious food from local vendors. “These events not only celebrate the holiday but also showcase our vibrant community,” remarked one of the event organizers.
Meanwhile, Houston’s Lunar New Year Festival has become a staple for the Asian community, celebrating over 20 years of tradition on February 1 at the Chinese Community Center. Registrants can immerse themselves in cultural customs, food, and artwork specific to the diverse Asian communities. “This festival shows the beauty of Asian traditions, bridging generations through shared experiences,” one volunteer noted.
At the University of Pittsburgh, celebrations kicked off with the opening of the exhibition “Beyond the Page: Exploring East Asian Book Culture,” coinciding with their Lunar New Year festivities. The event showcased archival materials and traditional East Asian printing technology. “It’s important for us to showcase our rich cultural heritage to the student community,” stated Runxiao Zhu, Head of the East Asian Library, underlining the educational aspect of the celebrations.
Further south, the Lunar New Year celebrations at Saint Mary’s College featured various activities related to traditions tied to the holiday. The Student Diversity Board collaborated with the Asian American Pacific Islander club to offer engaging events like lion dances and traditional food offerings. “It's really important to collaborate with those diversity clubs, because they don't get as much funding or attention as they should,” stated Giselle Martinez, President of SDB.
Eugene, Oregon, also boasts its own Lunar New Year celebrations, where the Taiwanese Student Association will host festivities on February 1. This semi-formal gathering aims to unite Taiwanese and other students, with food, games, and prizes, fostering community spirit on campus.
Finally, the University of Southern California (USC) joined the celebration with their annual Lunar New Year open house on January 29. This event gathered students from diverse backgrounds to honor the holiday, promoting cultural exchange and friendships. “It’s just nice to see my own cultural and family values reflected at my school,” shared Mia Fong, highlighting the importance of recognizing such festivities within educational institutions.
With celebrations taking place across the country, the spirit of the Lunar New Year reflects unity and cultural appreciation, reminding everyone of the importance of connection, tradition, and hope for the future as they welcome the Year of the Snake. Communities are encouraged to partake and celebrate the diverse traditions associated with this festive occasion, contributing to the celebration of heritage and inclusivity throughout the United States.