By Kathryn Nickell
MIDLAND – Residents across the Great Lakes Bay Region were invited to attend the area’s inaugural Lunar New Year celebration on Saturday, Jan. 21 at Dow Diamond in downtown Midland from 2 to 6 p.m.
The free event was an educational and multicultural celebration representing the traditional Lunar New Year. All ages, backgrounds, races and ethnicities were welcome.
The event consisted of traditional performances, vendor tables with educational cultural information, and fireworks.
Performances included Revolution Chinese Yo-yo, Lim’s Tae Kwon Do Academy, traditional Indian dance performance, Midland Chinese School Song & Dance, Chung’s School of Kung Fu Tai Chi, Lion Eye Dotting Ceremony, and Chung’s School of Kung Fu Lion Dance.
A separately ticketed food event was held on the suite level of Dow Diamond from 3 to 5:30 p.m. The strolling food tasting featured authentic foods traditionally eaten during Lunar New Year celebrations.
The customary dishes represented many different countries, the majority being from China and South Korea, and included kimchi, egg drop soup, chicken lo mein, vegetable bao, a variety of meat and vegetable spring rolls and fried rice, Asian desserts and more.
Food is a major part of the holiday, symbolizing the togetherness of all generations.
This year’s event was proudly coordinated by a diverse volunteer committee from all over the Midland area and is presented by Midland Ford Lincoln, Inc.
What is Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar. It is the most important holiday in China and is also widely celebrated in South Korea, Vietnam, and other countries with a significant overseas Chinese population.
Commonly known as the Spring Festival in China, Lunar New Year is a 15-day celebration marked by many traditions.
Lunar New Year began on Jan. 22 this year. In the Chinese zodiac, 2023 is the year of the rabbit.
Photo and video credit to Kathryn Nickell
Video production credit to Heather Kittle
