Who said dragons weren’t real? In case you missed it, 2024 is a Year of the Dragon + we’re here to tell you how to ring in the Lunar New Year the Chattanoogan way.
Though its official dates vary across different Asian cultures, the Lunar New Year is a celebration of the start of spring and a new year following a calendar on the lunar phases.
Not only is this a Year of the Dragon (the only mythical animal out of the 12 Chinese zodiacs), but more specifically the Wood Dragon. The last few times we were in the dragon year were: 2012, 2000, and 1988 + 1964 was the last time we were in the age of the Wood Dragon.
Collegedale Commons, Sunday, Jan. 28
Kick off the festivities in nearby Collegedale with the folks from High Point Chinese Seventh-Day Adventist Church this weekend. The festival will feature vendors, food, and live entertainment including dance, kung fu, and tai chi.
Tickets can be purchased for $5 for two different time slots: 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. + 4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Creative Discovery Museum, Saturday, Feb. 3
From 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., you can expect lion dance performances + martial arts demonstrations from the Chien Hong School of Kung Fu. You will also have a chance to learn the art of calligraphy from Dr. Ling Jung Wang. All activities are included in admission pricing.
Asian Food & Gifts of Chattanooga, Sunday, Feb. 18
Stop by this local market for its annual parking lot takeover with a firecracker show + traditional lion and dragon dances — stay tuned for more details.
