ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Right now across Central Florida, thousands of people are celebrating the Lunar New Year. It’s one of the biggest holidays for the people of Asia and the most celebrated on the Chinese calendar.
It is the Year of the Dragon and so many people are showing up to celebrate.
Mimi Chan helped organize Saturday’s Lunar New Year celebrations and opening ceremony in Orange County, where dozens took part in numerous traditions all to celebrate Asian culture, good fortune and usher in positivity.
“It is the most important holiday for a lot of Asia,” Chan said. “The firecrackers and the loud music (...) scares away all of the evil and the negativity.”
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The opening ceremony Saturday was held at the Wah Lum Kung Fu Temple. Chan said it was built by her father.
“My father is from the southern part of China but he moved over here to live out that American dream,” Chan said.
Chan is also the director of Make Us Visible Florida and helped pass legislation last year to include Asian American and Pacific Islander history in the Florida’s public schools.
“As Asian Americans it’s important for us to celebrate our identity and also know that this is a very American tradition now,” Chan said.
Many people said it’s important for the younger generation to see and help carry on these traditions
“It helps us spread the culture and also helps other people learn about this culture,” said 14-year-old Evelyn Lam.
“For the future generation too to recognize tradition and all of that and it’s important,” said 14-year-old Jade Leaf.
For a list of businesses set to host lion dances on Saturday, click here.
More information about some of the Lunar New Year celebrations across Central Florida is available on the AsiaTrend website.
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