2019 Chinese New Year Celebrations
The year of the Pig has arrived.
Words by Alison Bryce
Holding the last position in the zodiac, the Pig has waited its turn to be celebrated for 12 years. According to the traditional Chinese calendar, the new year starts with the new moon (which will appear on February 5 this year) and ends 15 days later on the full moon (February 19).
Also called the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, this celebration is filled with many traditions for family and friends to take part, such as shooting off firecrackers to send out the old and welcome in the new and the traditional Dragon Dance to attract peace and prosperity.
This year is predicted to be a lucky year. The Pig is a representation of diligence, kindness, and generosity. While it is a holiday known for its vibrant red decor, during the year of the Pig, the colors that will bring good fortune and wellness are pink and orange.
Different events will be happening around Austin to celebrate the year of the Pig. Combine entertainment with a banquet at the Year of the Pig Celebration at the New Fortune Chinese Seafood Restaurant on February 2 from 6:30-10pm. The night will consist of a gourmet banquet style dinner, lion and dragon dance, Chinese music and instrument playing, martial arts, and more. Tickets are $28 per person.
Head to Old Thousand for Chinese New Year specials on a variety of food and drinks on February 8 and 15. Their selection of dishes bring the food traditions of China to Austin. Guests will have an extra bonus on the February 8 with dragon dancers performing at 6:45pm.
The Carver Branch library will be hosting Literature Live! on February 9 at 2pm for a showing of Tiger Woman: a Bunraku-style puppet show based on a traditional Chinese story. This free show teaches a lesson in generosity for ages five and up.
Get an inside look at a variety of Asian cuisine at the Second Annual Far East Fest on February 9 from noon to 5pm. More than 30 Austin area restaurants will provide a variety of samples for guests to try. Eastside restaurants in the lineup are Bento Picnic, t’so Chinese Delivery, and Tito Adobo. Tickets start at $45 for adults. Admission covers all food samples and alcohol is available for purchase.
Enjoy a night of performances the Chinese New Year Celebration at the Asian American Resource Center on February 9 from 5-9pm. The evening will be full of modern and traditional Chinese music and dance presented by Austin Moonflower Performing Arts Group. There will also be Peking opera, gongfu, and a qipao fashion show. Tickets for the event are $10.
Austin’s Chinatown Center is another place worth a visit during this time of year. On February 16-17, visit for a day full of dance and music performances, a traditional firecrackers display, dragon and lion dances, rides, and the community resource fair featuring local businesses and artisans.
Celebrate the full moon a few days after at the Water Lantern Festival on February 23. Taking place at Mueller Lake Park, this event is filled with fun, happiness, hope, and memory-making. Grab a lantern at the festival and write down hopes, dreams, or a letter to a loved one before sending it out into the water. Watch as the lake fills with messages and the soft light from inside each one reflects on the water while drifting away. Tickets start at $30 and include entry to the festival, a floating water lantern, commemorative drawstring bag, a marker, and a wristband.
One of the more common aspects of Chinese New Year is to enjoy time with family and friends. Whether it is by learning more about traditions during a special Chinese dinner, or attending one of the many performances around the city, join the fun to celebrate this ancient tradition.
