PORTLAND, Ore. — For many countries around the globe, Lunar New Year has a deep cultural and traditional significance. It's a time for families to gather, pay respect to their ancestors and welcome the arrival of spring.
On Feb. 10, the Year of the Dragon will begin. The dragon is the fifth animal of the lunar zodiac and represents bravery, creativity and innovation, according to Chinese astrology. It is a year full of potential, opportunities for personal growth, professional success and social impact.
From lion dances to lantern lightings, Portland is ringing in the auspicious Year of the Dragon with a variety of events. Below is a look at some celebrations happening in the area.
Oregon 2024 Lunar New Year Gala
When: Feb. 2
Where: Keller Auditorium at 222 Southwest Clay, Portland
What: The Chinese Friendship Association of Portland will be hosting the Oregon 2024 Lunar New Year Gala. It will be an evening filled with crafts, visual arts, and entertainment to celebrate the Year of the Dragon. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., but performances start at 7:30 p.m., ranging from traditional Chinese dance to martial arts and rhythmic gymnastics. Performers include singer Xiaoshu Wand, who will be performing the music of Asia's first musical superstar Teresa Teng. Long Yun, known as the master of face changing will also be performing. Tickets range from $29 to $67.15.
Lunar New Year Celebration at Lan Su Chinese Garden
When: Feb. 7-March 2
Where: Lan Su Chinese Garden at 239 NW Everett St., Portland
What: The Lan Su Chinese Garden's three-week festival features a variety of cultural performances and activities. Visitors can get a head start on the festivities with Lantern Viewing evenings starting on Feb. 7. Tickets for the viewing event range from $15 to $35. The garden will kick off the official start of the new year on Feb. 10 with a traditional lion dance, which is meant to ward off evil and bring good fortune for the new year. Throughout the month, the event will feature drum teams, martial arts performances, visiting artists from China, Chinese dance groups, family craft activities and Lunar New Year traveling art exhibits.
Lincoln High School Lunar New Year Festival
When: Feb. 9, 5 p.m.
Where: Lincoln High School at 1750 SW Salmon St., Portland
What: The Lincoln High School Asian Student Union is hosting a festival to ring in the Lunar New Year. Sharetea and Kinara Thai Bistro will be serving food and beverages at the event. There will also be cultural performances and festivities. The event is free admission.
8th Annual Lunar New Year Dragon Dance and Parade in Chinatown
When: Feb. 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Starts in front of the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association on NW Third Avenue and Davis Street
What: The Portland Chinatown History Foundation is hosting the 8th annual Lunar New Year Dragon Dance and Parade. The parade will feature the White Lotus Dragon and Lion Dance team, the International Lion Dance team, and the Portland Lee Associations Dragon and Lion Dance team. Along the way, lions will "pluck the green" for good luck at select locations, and volunteers will pass out traditional red envelopes to participants. The parade will go through SW Jefferson and Park Street. It will end at the Oregon Historical Society Park Plaza.
Lunar New Year Celebration at Washington Square
When: Feb. 17, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Summit Court at Washington Square
What: Local groups will be taking on the stage at Washington Square with a multitude of performances. Portland Puppet Museum will be putting on a live puppet show. There will also be a White Lotus Lion dance, Korean Gayageum musical performances, and traditional Asian folktales and storytelling by Alton Chung.