Don’t be sad that Valentine’s Day will soon come and go because this Friday, February 16th marks the Year of the Dog with Lunar New Year Celebrations happening all over town. Lunar New Year, commonly referred to as Chinese New Year, and also know as Tet, is one of the most important holidays in Asian cultures. Unlike the New Year you are used to celebrating on December 31st and January 1st, Lunar New Year changes from year to year because it is based on when there is a new moon (between the end of January and the end of February).
The 12 signs of the zodiac also rotate, making this year The Year of the Dog. If you were born in 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994 and 2006, you were born in the year of the dog (meaning you are likely loyal, honest, friendly, smart, responsible, stubborn, sensitive and emotional). Curious about what sign you are? Check HERE. **Please note some animals/signs are different if you are following the Vietnamese zodiac.
The best part of it all . . . you don’t need to go far to take part in the festivities. Here are just a few local events you can check out this coming weekend:
UVSA Tet Festival (Vietnamese)
- What: The 37th annual UVSA Tet Festival brings more than 150 exhibitors, delicious ethnic foods, cultural displays, live entertainment, and carnival rides and attractions to Costa Mesa.
- When: Friday February 16th from 4 – 10pm; Saturday February 17th from 11am – 10pm; Sunday February 18th from 11am – 9pm
- Where: OC Fair & Event Center at Lot 1 and the Los Alamitos Building (88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa)
- Cost: $6 general admission (parking is $8). FREE for Children age 2 and under. **Special – On Feb. 17 from 11am – 1pm, guests wearing scout uniforms, military uniforms, or traditional Vietnamese attire will be able to enter for FREE.
- Click HERE for more information.
The Year of the Dog at South Coast Plaza
- What: South Coast Plaza is celebrating the New Year with a variety of acts and performances from Asian cultures, children’s crafts (Lunar New Year lanterns), local artisans demonstrating traditional hand-crafted arts, and a photo exhibition and art exhibit.
- When: February 17, 18 & 19 from 1 – 5pm; February 24 & 25 from 1 – 5 pm
- Where: South Coast Plaza at the Carousel Court (some performances also held at the Jewel Court) (3333 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa)
- Cost: FREE
- Click HERE for more information.
Lunar New Year Celebration at Fashion Island
- What: Fashion Island is celebrating the Year of the Dog with Chinese dragon dancers, Korean fan dancers, an Asian calligraphy artist, themed stilt-walkers, musical entertainment, and greeters distributing fortune cookies and lucky envelopes (while supplies last).
- When: Saturday, February 17th from 1 – 3pm
- Where: Fashion Island at the Neiman Marcus/Bloomingdale’s Courtyard (401 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach)
- Cost: FREE
- Click HERE for more information.
