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| 2012 DC Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade |
It’s the time of the year for firecrackers, dancing dragons, and red money packets. The Lunar Year begans February 10, year of the Snake. It’s biggest Vietnamese (and Chinese) holiday and you bet our family will be celebrating.
There are so many Tết (Lunar New Year) celebrations in the DC area, you’ll be able to celebrate for more than the traditional three days. Everyone is welcome to these events, whether you’re Asian or not. Take your family out for a fun cultural experience. With plenty of good food! Make sure you have a bite of banh chung, a traditional Vietnamese treat for Lunar New Year.
Check out these family friendly events and come back next week for ideas on how you can celebrate the Chinese New Year right in your own home.
January 27: Tet Festival by Association of Vietnamese Americans (formerly MVMA). Come out for dragon dancing, a live ban, karoke, contests for kids and lots of delicious Vietnamese food. The festival runs from 10AM-4PM at Northwood High School, 919 University Blvd, Silver Spring, MD 20901. I’m not sure if there’s a cost for entry, so you might want to call ahead or bring some small bills with you.
February 2-3: TetFest by National Organization of Vietnamese American Leaders I’ve never been to TetFest but it’s two days of celebrations. There’s a charity poker tournament (for adults obviously), games, contests, cultural performances and even a fashion show. Admission is free for children 12 and under and $2 for everyone else. If you show up in the traditional Aó Daì can enter for free. For times and more info visit their website. Kena Shrine Hall, 9001 Arlington Blvd, Fairfax, VA 22031
February 9 (Opening ceremony): Lunar New Year Celebration Chinese Culture and Community Center. February 9-16. The noon opening ceremony on February 9 will kick off a two-week long celebration including special cultural exhibitions throughout Lakeforest Mall as well as performances and hands-on workshops during weekends. Center Stage at Lakeforest Mall, 701 Russell Avenue, Gaithersburg MD 20877.
February 17: Tet by Vietnamese Literary and Artistic Club of Washington DC. There will be lion dance, live music, traditional Vietnamese games, and of course, lots of food. Feb 17, 1-5pm. Ernst Community Cultural Center, 8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale VA 22003. $5 entry fee.
February 9 (Opening ceremony): Lunar New Year Celebration Chinese Culture and Community Center. February 9-16. The noon opening ceremony on February 9 will kick off a two-week long celebration including special cultural exhibitions throughout Lakeforest Mall as well as performances and hands-on workshops during weekends. Center Stage at Lakeforest Mall, 701 Russell Avenue, Gaithersburg MD 20877.
February 10:
- Eden Center Tet Celebration begins at 11AM with a lion dance followed by a flag ceremony. There will also be giveaways, face painting and magicians. Of course while you’re there, you’ll want to hit one of the many Vietnamese restaurants there for lunch. The festivities are outdoors, so bundle up. Plan to arrive early as the parking lot fills up fast at Eden Center on regular weekends, so doubly so on Lunar New Year.
- DC Chinatown Parade starts at 1PM right in the heart of DC’s Chinatown. We have attended to this parade a few times and while it’s always freezing, it’s fun to see all the different community organizations perform during the parade. I suggest you take the Red Line Metro to Gallery Place-Chinatown or plan to arrive early to find a parking garage (not all of them in the area accept credit cards). If you’re looking for coffee, the line at the Chinatown Starbucks will probably be out of the door. I know this from personal experience. If the crepe vendor is still outside the Verizon Center, I recommend you head their for lunch.
February 16: Lunar New Year Celebration at VisArts Rockville This is the third annual celebration is an all inclusive event that includes participants and performers from Chinese, Tawainese, Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, and Korean communities. The parade around Rockville Town Square begins at 11AM. There will also be, what else, food vendors, arts & crafts, and performances. The parade is free.
February 17: Tet by Vietnamese Literary and Artistic Club of Washington DC. There will be lion dance, live music, traditional Vietnamese games, and of course, lots of food. Feb 17, 1-5pm. Ernst Community Cultural Center, 8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale VA 22003. $5 entry fee.
Well, that’s enough to keep you busy everyone weekend from now until mid-February. If you know of any others, leave them in the comments and I’ll update the post.
I have not personally attended these all of the events in the past but they all sound fun. I highly recommend you bring cash to purchase food and gifts from the vendors as most of them probably won’t accept credit cards. And make sure you eat a lot for me!