Who’s a good year?
Brooklynites got a head start on their Year of the Dog celebrations during a Feb. 10 Lunar New Year event outside Borough Hall. The new year doesn’t officially begin until Friday, but the borough president kicked off the festivities early — and will continue them well past the official holiday — as a tribute to Kings County’s significant Asian-American population, he said.
“We derive strength from the rich diversity of our borough,” said Adams. “This month’s collection of Lunar New Year programming is a testament to how important it is to keep heritage alive, as we build one Brooklyn that is a rich tapestry of culture and community.”
Dancers from the Buddhist organization NY Lotus Light Association performed a traditional Lion Dance at the beep’s outdoor Lantern Flower Market — the first pop-up bazaar of its kind in Kings County, according to the event’s co-host.
“This is the first time that a Lantern Flower Market has come to Brooklyn, and there is no better place to host it than the People’s House,” said Winnie Greco, head honcho of Chinese-culture promoter the Sino America New York Brooklyn Archway Association.
Some visitors who came out to enjoy the festivities on the rainy day picked up candy, fresh flowers, and fruit in keeping with traditional Chinese Lunar New Year preparations, according to a spokesman for the beep, while others snapped selfies with costumed characters.
And those who missed the fun can ring in the Year of the Dog at the beep’s next Borough Hall bash, on Feb. 22, which will feature more live performances, traditional Chinese food, and an awards ceremony to honor local Asian-Americans who give back to their community, Adams said.
The Lunar New Year is based on the Chinese lunisolar calendar, which is determined by the cycles of the moon and movement of the sun, and the 12 Chinese zodiac signs, which are related to different animals and change every twelve months.
