Lunar New Year doesn't officially begin until Feb. 10, but Denver's Far East Center in Westwood is getting the celebration started early.
On Jan. 2, the Far East Center will kick off their Lunar New Year Initiative for 2024 in partnership with the Office of Economic Development & Opportunity, Truong An Gifts and NEWSED, a nonprofit that offers entrepreneurial classes, housing assistance and financial aid.
The holiday was made an official state holiday this year.
"This is such a historical moment for our community that I can think of nothing better than an all-out celebration!" wrote Mimi Luong, owner of Truong An Gifts and property manager of the Far East Center, in a press release.
The program is a culturally immersive series of events that encompass art, health, food and education, and lead up to the Year of the Wood Dragon, which beings on Feb. 10.
"Whether you're curious about our cultural traditions, looking forward to tasting some amazing Lunar New Year treats, or getting hands-on with workshops, there's something here for you," wrote Luong.
Programs like this are one way the Far East Center facilitates connection with the community.
"Through this initiative, we are not only celebrating a significant cultural event but also acknowledging and elevating the contributions of the AANHPI community in our state," wrote Luong.
Since the 1980s, Luong's family has hosted a Lunar New Year celebration. They first held events in their home, then expanded to the Center. Each year the celebration has grown.
A schedule of events
Jan. 2 to Jan. 6
An arts and crafts week will go from Jan. 2 to the 6th and feature workshops on dragon painting and lantern making. Participants will also learn about the myths of the 12 zodiacs.
Jan. 7 to Jan. 13
The following week will be about immersive storytelling. There's the "Kung Fu Dumpling Class," where participants will make dumplings while learning about the history and cultural significance of dumplings. There's also a calligraphy class and a behind-the-scenes look into lion dancing.
Jan. 14 to Jan. 20
This week is about health. There's seminars and hands-on classes on Tai Chi, Qigong, Aikido, Wing Chun Kung Foo and Chinese Medicine.
Jan. 21 to Jan. 27
This week, dive into traditional Asian cuisine. There's a kimchi making class, a seminar hosted by local chefs about traditional Lunar New Year food, and the nostalgia that goes into making those dishes. There's a playful "No thanks Trader Joe, we will make our own Gimbap and Mandu" class where you'll make...gimbap and mandu, hosted by Virgil Dickerson from KREAM Kimchi.
Jan. 28 to Feb. 3
Dive into the culture from traditional fashions and painting your own Non La rice patty hat to modern K-Pop and V-Pop dance classes.
Feb. 10 and Feb. 11
The Far East Center will host its Lunar New Year celebration.
The new year, 2024, will be the year of the dragon and specifically, the wood dragon. In Chinese culture, the dragon is lucky, representing success, ambition and honor. Wood represents creativity. Combined, and if all goes well, 2024 will be a year of innovation and energy.
Where to find Lunar New Year events
All of the classes will be at the Far East Center, located at 333 South Federal Blvd., and they are free, but donations will be accepted. You can check out more information about the classes through the Little Saigon District website.
