Celebrating Chinese New Year in the U.S.

Fri 09 Feb 2018

Chinese New Year is embraced in many locations in the U.S. and those cities with big Chinese populations usually have several days of festivities that everyone can enjoy. This can include parades, lion dances, firecrackers, and lots of delicious food! The Chinese New Year is based on the lunar calendar and falls on different days each year. This year, Chinese New Year will fall on February 16. If you live near a Chinatown, don’t miss the celebrations during this time and perhaps experience a new cultural tradition.

The Year of the Dog  

The traditional Chinese calendar uses a 12-year zodiac cycle and each year is represented by an animal. 2018 is the Year of the Dog and is the second last of the cycle. What is your Chinese zodiac? If you are born in 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, or 2006, you are born in the Year of the Dog. And unfortunately, this year might be unlucky for you – the Chinese believe that the year of your birth sign is unlucky. To ward off bad luck, many Chinese wear red items during their birth year sign.

Each animal zodiac has its own personality traits. Those born in the Year of the Dog, are considered to be loyal, honest and kind, however, can also be stubborn sometimes and may struggle communicating with others. The Chinese also use their zodiac sign to find compatible marriage partners and for those who are born in the Year of the Dog, may find suitable partners in those at are born in the Year of the Tiger or Horse.

Location, location, location

Many U.S. cities have Chinatowns and heading to Chinatown for Chinese New Year celebrations is a must!

New York in downtown Manhattan, you will find a vibrant Chinatown, where Chinese New Year is celebrated in grand style. The celebrations start off with the Firecracker Ceremony, followed by three parades and several days of celebrations.

Boston boasts the third largest Chinese community in the U.S. and its annual Chinese New Years’ Parade features many performers, lion dances, and firecrackers. Our international students in Boston won't have far to go to catch up with the festivities.

San Francisco is home to one of the oldest Chinatowns in the U.S. It is unique by having a night time parade, which features an enormous golden dragon.

Dallas has a smaller affair than the cities mentioned above, the Chinese New Years’ Parade takes place at the Asia Times Square shopping center. The Crow Collection of Asian Art also hosts a range of New Year celebrations, with performances and activities for all age groups.

Syracuse, this pocket sized city close to SUNY Morrisville State college is known for its welcoming nature. In this spirit, two cultures merge for the Chinese New Year Celebrations in the city's Little Italy Quarter.

Embracing new traditions

America is a melting pot of cultures and nationalities. As an international student, don’t feel self-conscious about your own traditions. Share these with your fellow students and join in various celebrations at universities; international student associations on campus are good at organizing cultural celebrations, so join in. Being a student is a great time to learn about new cultures and start your own new traditions as well!