San Francisco’s Chinatown is the largest outside of Asia, so it stands to reason that Chinese New Year is a huge celebration in the City by the Bay. Chinese New Year (also called Lunar New Year or Hsien Nien) encompasses two weeks of celebration. This year is the Year of the Tiger and Lunar Year 4708.
In San Francisco, festivities start the weekend prior to Chinese New Year's Day (February 14) with the Flower Fair, and continue until the Community Street Fair and spectacular Chinese New Year Parade at the end February. Celebrating Chinese New Year in San Francisco with kids?
While there are many celebrations marking Chinese New Year throughout the Bay Area, here are San Francisco's top 4 events for the Year of the Tiger.
San Francisco's Chinese Flower Fair
February 6-7, 2010, Chinatown
On the weekend before Chinese New Year, the Chinese Flower Fair offers the opportunity to purchase New Year flowers and produce, but the real attraction is the traditional entertainment. Chinese opera, dance, music, lion dancing, art and cultural exhibits draw San Francisco residents and tourists alike. Typically, about 400,000 people attend this two-day fair.
Miss Chinatown USA Pageant
February 20, 2010, Palace of Fine Arts, 3301 Lyon St.
An annual event since 1958, the Miss Chinatown USA Pageant draws young women from across the country to compete for the opportunity to serve as a goodwill ambassador for Chinese-Americans. Miss Chinatown USA promotes Chinese culture and heritage throughout the year.
San Francisco's Community Street Fair
February 27-28, 2010, Chinatown
Located in the heart of Chinatown, this two-day celebration combines performing arts (dance, puppet shows, acrobatics); fine arts (calligraphy, lantern and kite making); and family entertainment (lion dancing, magic). Approximately 500,000 people are expected to attend the fair over the weekend.
San Francisco's Chinese New Year Parade
February 27, 2010, Chinatown
The Chinese New Year Parade in San Francisco is the largest celebration of its kind outside of Asia, and it has been named one of the Top 10 Parades in the World by the International Festivals and Events Association. The free nighttime event combines elements of a traditional Chinese Lantern Parade with more familiar elements of a Western-style street parade.
The appearance of Gum Lung, the Golden Dragon of Chinatown, makes for an extraordinary illuminated finale to the 2-1/2 hour parade. Over half a million firecrackers accompany the 201-foot-long Gum Lung and his team of 100 carriers. Watch the parade in comfort and be assured of a viewing spot by purchasing a bleacher seat along Kearny St. for $30. The parade goes on rain or shine.
For details on the parade, participants, route and online seat purchases, visit the official San Francisco Chinese New Year Festival & Parade website.
Gung Hay Fat Choy!
Celebrating Chinese New Year in San Francisco with kids?
Sources:
- ChineseParade.com
- SanFranciscoChinatown.com
Christine E. Taylor - Christine E. Taylor is a freelance writer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Christine is currently writing a series of articles ...
Join the Conversation